Kansas HC Lance Leipold on Border War: ‘I found quickly this is an important game’
By Jacob Moss
Published:
One of the most heated and underrated rivalries in all of college football is the longstanding tilt between Mizzou and Kansas.
Affectionately known as the “Border War,” the rivalry has been contested on the gridiron 120 times dating back to the 1891 season, and it features some of the deepest-seated resentment two programs and fanbases have for one another anywhere in the nation.
The game was played annually when both teams were still members of the Big 12, but conference realignment in 2012 put the rivalry on hold due to scheduling conflicts.
Fortunately for both programs and fans of college football everywhere, this legendary rivalry has finally been renewed in 2025 and will be played for the first time since 2011 this Saturday.
For fifth-year Jayhawks’ head coach Lance Leipold, this will be the first time he’s ever gotten a taste of just how heated the Border War can get, and he sat down with ESPN’s College Football Live on Thursday to discuss his thoughts on the matchup.
“A couple of people came up to me before service (in church) and said ‘Make sure you get after them coach,'” Leipold said. “I’ve found out quickly that this is an important game for the people in Lawrence, Kansas.”
There’s no denying how heated the Border War can be, and Leipold is sure to find out firsthand just how much hatred these two programs have in much greater detail come Saturday.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Mizzou is a 6.5-point favorite, per ESPN Bet.
