Arizona State (power rating: 8.5) and Kansas (8.4) are rated essentially even on a neutral field by Blue Chip Analytics. Kansas travels 4,379 miles for this game — check the travel panel for rest and body clock context. See Line Value below.
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Game-time forecast at Wembley Stadium shows Clear — 58.1°F, Feels Like 57.3°F with winds of 6.0 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. The weather adjustment has been pre-filled in the Line Value Calculator above — adjust manually if conditions change before kick-off.
58.1°F
Kansas enters the season with a battle between Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall to replace Jalon Daniels. The coaching staff has not named a starter, and the opener against LIU may be used to evaluate both. Ballard has more experience as a backup, while Marshall offers a dual-threat element. The decision will shape the offensive identity and play-calling.
The transfer running back, a Kansas native, joins his third program and is expected to be a focal point of the offense. His versatility as a runner and receiver gives Andy Kotelnicki creative options. With depth at RB from Yasin Willis and Jalen Dupree, Kansas can keep Edwards fresh and use him in space.
Kansas struggled against the run and lacked turnovers in 2025. The addition of transfers like David Santiago (EDGE), Bam Crouch (LB), and Jibreel Al-Amin (LB) bolsters the front seven. The secondary also adds multiple transfers, including Corey Gordon and Jaden Harris, to increase depth and playmaking. This unit will be tested early against LIU's offense.
Kansas plays at home with a venue HFA of 2.8, a significant edge. The forecast calls for patchy rain and 26 mph wind, which could affect passing and kicking. Kansas's run-heavy approach with Edwards and a deep RB room may be well-suited to these conditions, while LIU may struggle with the elements.
Long Island University is an FCS program with no prior record or power rating. Kansas is heavily favored, but the team must execute cleanly to build momentum for a challenging upcoming schedule (Missouri, Arizona State). The opener is a chance to establish rhythm, especially for the new QB and offensive line.
Cutter Boley, a Kentucky transfer, takes over for Sam Leavitt. The offense added the nation's top WR transfer class, but chemistry and timing with Boley are unproven. This game is a low-pressure opportunity to build rhythm against an FCS opponent.
ASU added 15+ transfers across all units, including key pieces on offense (WRs Miller, Harris; OL Alo-Tupuola, Baklenko) and defense (DEs Thompson, Winston; LB Long; CB Stamps; S Rawls). How quickly these new pieces mesh will determine early-season success.
The Sun Devils return a stout defensive front led by all-conference NT C.J. Fite and experienced LBs Long, Fiaseu, and Hughes. Against Morgan State, they should dominate the line of scrimmage and force turnovers, setting a positive tone.
The defensive backfield, especially nickel, is the biggest unknown. Adrian Wilson moves from safety to nickel, and CB Ashton Stamps is a new starter. Morgan State's passing attack will test this unit's communication and coverage skills.
ASU plays at home with clear skies and mild temperatures (66°F, 11 mph wind). No travel and a full week of rest give the Sun Devils a clear situational advantage to execute their game plan and build confidence for the season ahead.
Kansas travels 4,379 miles to this game, a cross-country trip.
Kansas arrives with a 6-hour body clock disadvantage.
Blue Chip Analytics power ratings rate Kansas (8.4) and Arizona State (8.5) as essentially equal on a neutral field. In this range, HFA, travel, rest, and weather context carry more weight than the raw rating differential.
Blue Chip Analytics power ratings represent expected point margin against an average FBS opponent on a neutral field, calculated from game data sourced via CollegeFootballData.com (CFBD). They are one input — cross-reference with the travel, rest, and weather data above before drawing conclusions.
Blue Chip Analytics rates Kansas and Arizona State even on a neutral field — HFA and game-day conditions are the deciding factors.
