KU hosts Mizzou for border war matchup Friday night

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers will reignite their historic college football rivalry on Friday night. The Border War dates back to 1891, with roots in the Civil War era.

The Jayhawks and their athletic director, Travis Goff, recently posted images celebrating the Jayhawks’ abolitionist history on social media, sparking responses from Missouri fans that underscored just how divisive the game has become.

The rivalry paused in 2012 when Missouri joined the SEC but resumed last year with the Tigers winning in Columbia. It won’t happen again until 2031, but Kansas Head Coach Lance Leipold says he wants to see it more.

“Last year, you know, getting the teams back together, reignited the spark, so to speak, of this rivalry and the intensity of it. And I think this could be one, or should be one, that should remain and find ways to make sure we get that played,” he said ahead of Friday night’s game.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.