Kansas Will Host Middle Tennessee on October 3
The Jayhawks prepare to face the Blue Raiders at home in Lawrence following recent team roster adjustments.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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Kansas will host Middle Tennessee in Lawrence on October 3, 2026. The matchup comes as Kansas looks to improve its 1-2 record while Middle Tennessee enters with a 2-2 standing.
Why it matters
This game serves as a critical opportunity for Kansas, which is entering a stretch of nine consecutive games to close its 2026 regular season. The contest also follows a week of controversy for Middle Tennessee regarding officiating standards.
Kansas enters the game at 1-2, while Middle Tennessee holds a 2-2 overall record. Blue Raiders running back Antonio Martin Jr. has accumulated 345 rushing yards so far this season.
The players
Derek Mason
He is the head coach of the Middle Tennessee football team who recently received a formal reprimand from Conference USA.
Chase Belcher
He is a running back who joined the Kansas roster after gaining eligibility through an injunction in an Indiana lawsuit.
Antonio Martin Jr.
He is a running back for Middle Tennessee who has recorded 345 rushing yards this season.
Clifton Thompson
He is a defensive lineman who was added to the Kansas football team roster.
The details
Kansas has bolstered its roster ahead of the game by adding defensive lineman Clifton Thompson and running back Chase Belcher. Belcher secured his eligibility through an injunction tied to an Indiana lawsuit against the NCAA.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Kansas played Arizona State in London.
September 28, 2026: Middle Tennessee lost to Jacksonville State.
September 29, 2026: Conference USA reprimanded Derek Mason.
October 3, 2026: Kansas hosts Middle Tennessee.
Season Trajectory
This game initiates a grueling nine-game stretch for Kansas that will determine their final standing for the 2026 regular season. Following a loss in London, the Jayhawks must stabilize their performance to remain competitive against Middle Tennessee.
Kansas will play nine consecutive games to close out the regular season, impacting the team's fatigue levels and injury management. Fans should monitor the rotation of new additions Clifton Thompson and Chase Belcher to see how they impact the backfield and defensive depth.
The takeaway
The game follows a high-profile dispute where Middle Tennessee submitted 17 plays to Conference USA regarding alleged missed holding calls. This tension adds a layer of scrutiny to how officials will manage the game in Lawrence this week.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cardiff Star.
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