Kansas Jayhawks vs. Missouri Tigers: Game prediction, betting odds and TV info

The Border War returns Saturday.

The Kansas Jayhawks will face the Missouri Tigers in football for the first time since 2011. Kansas will look to end a three-game losing streak in the series, and — depending on whose record book you use — either tie the series or pull within two games.

Here’s a closer look at Saturday’s showdown in Columbia.

KU football vs. Missouri: Game details

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6

Where: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, Columbia

TV: ESPN2

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City, Wichita 92.3

Betting line: Missouri is a 6.5-point favorite.

Kansas-Missouri game prediction

I’ve had this game circled all season.

The Jayhawks will not only play their first road game, but have to do it in what’s sure to be a rowdy environment in Columbia.

The matchup I’m most paying attention to is how KU’s defense plays against Missouri’s dual-threat quarterback, Beau Pribula. There was uncertainty on who would win the starting job, but Pribula became the de facto starter after the injury to quarterback Sam Horn in MU’s opener. The injury will keep Horn out for a while.

(Pribula did play well in the opener, scoring four total touchdowns in a 61-6 win over Central Arkansas.)

As for Pribula, KU has struggled to contain this type of quarterback over the years. The Jayhawks’ linebacker depth will be tested with starter Bangally Kamara set to miss another game. Plus, senior linebacker Jayson Gilliom has yet to play due to injury. It’s unclear if he will return against Missouri.

Between Pribula’s running ability and running back Ahmad Hardy, Kansas could have major issues stopping the run. Hardy, a UL-Monroe transfer, had over 1,300 rushing yards as a true freshman.

On the plus side for the Jayhawks, Kansas is playing a Missouri squad with plenty of turnover on offense. Namely, receiver Luther Burden departed for the NFL, as did top-10 draft pick Armand Membou. Missouri reloaded the receivers room with a slew of transfers, and they will test KU’s young secondary.

Kansas might not have star cornerbacks Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant anymore, but KU’s secondary has played well in the first two games.

Meanwhile, KU’s offensive line will have to stop an athletic Missouri defensive front. The Jayhawks' offensive line struggled against Fresno State and must improve significantly if it wants to give KU a chance to win this game. The most significant advantage the Jayhawks have is the experience that quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Daniel Hishaw bring to the table. Daniels has had a red-hot start to the season. He’s thrown for seven touchdowns with only one interception. He’s yet to play a full game, with the Jayhawks dominating their first two opponents.

Daniels hasn’t looked this good since the 2022 season. Kansas will need that run to continue Saturday.

One more thing to watch if it’s a close game: how much Missouri trusts its kicking game. Blake Craig tore his ACL and is out for the season. That could cause some uncertainty if this game comes down to a big kick or two.

This matchup should be a close one, and I could see either side winning. But the Tigers will have a crowd advantage on their side, and in a game where both teams have question marks, that could make the difference.

Prediction: Missouri 31, Kansas 28

Shreyas’ pick to cover: Kansas (+6.5)

Season record: 2-0

Season record (ATS): 2-0

This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 11:57 AM.

Shreyas Laddha

The Kansas City Star

Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.