Phoenix, January 21, 2026
Sun Devil Athletics, in partnership with the Big 12 Conference, has unveiled Arizona State University’s 2026 football schedule. The new lineup promises thrilling competition, featuring notable home and away games, including an international opener at Wembley Stadium in London. This announcement highlights the growing prominence of ASU football within the collegiate sports landscape while also emphasizing its significant economic impact on the Phoenix region. As the Sun Devils prepare for a challenging season, the local community is encouraged to rally behind the team, fostering both local pride and business growth.
Phoenix, AZ — The future of college football in Phoenix just became clearer as Sun Devil Athletics, in conjunction with the Big 12 Conference, officially unveiled the 2026 football schedule today. This highly anticipated announcement sets the stage for a season that promises thrilling competition and significant economic activity for the region, highlighting the growing influence of Arizona State University on the national collegiate sports landscape.
The newly released schedule details a challenging yet exciting path for the Sun Devils, featuring key matchups at home, on the road, and even internationally. The strategic planning behind these games reflects a commitment to competitive excellence and an understanding of the broader economic and community benefits that top-tier college athletics bring to the state. This calendar reinforces the dynamic environment surrounding Arizona State football, a vital component of the Phoenix AZ sports scene.
London Calling: Global Reach for Sun Devil Football
The 2026 campaign for Arizona State football is set to kick off on September 5 with a non-conference home game against Morgan State at Mountain America Stadium. However, an early highlight on the schedule is an international Big 12 Conference opener against Kansas in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium in London on September 19. This global endeavor showcases the Big 12’s initiative to expand its brand and generate new interest, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit embedded within modern college athletics.
Following their international venture, the Sun Devils will host their Big 12 home opener on October 3 against Baylor. The schedule also includes notable road contests against formidable opponents such as Texas A&M on September 12, Texas Tech on October 17, and BYU on October 31. Home matchups at Mountain America Stadium will feature Hawai’i on October 10, Kansas State on October 24, Colorado on November 7, and Oklahoma State on November 21. The traditional Territorial Cup rivalry game against Arizona will be played on November 28 in Tucson. The season culminates with the Big 12 Football Championship scheduled for Friday, December 4, in Arlington, Texas, an event that will draw significant attention and tourism.
Economic Touchdown for Phoenix and Arizona
The presence of a robust collegiate athletics program like Arizona State University’s football team is a powerful economic engine for Phoenix and the entire state. Sun Devil Athletics generates a substantial economic impact of $99.5 million on Arizona’s gross domestic product annually. This figure underscores the financial force of the program, with even its non-football ticketed Olympic sports contributing nearly $45 million to the state’s GDP.
Game days in Tempe translate directly into significant revenue for the state and local businesses. Restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments across Tempe and Maricopa County experience heightened activity, supporting thousands of jobs. This positive ripple effect extends beyond football season, as other Sun Devil sports like basketball, hockey, and baseball also drive business to the metropolitan area throughout the year. The economic vitality spurred by college football in Phoenix is not isolated; a study found that the University of Arizona’s athletic events alone contribute approximately $265 million in economic output for the state. Such events, including the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four, which generated $429 million in economic impact for Arizona, showcase the state’s capability to host major sporting spectacles and the substantial financial benefits they deliver.
Investing in Athletic Success and Entrepreneurial Futures
Sustaining and enhancing athletic programs requires ongoing investment, both public and private. Arizona State University demonstrates a proactive approach to supporting its student-athletes and fostering their long-term success. Beyond the gridiron, ASU is making significant investments in other programs, such as its baseball team, by committing to offering 34 full scholarships by 2026 and dedicating millions to stadium improvements. These private and institutional investments are critical for maintaining competitive excellence and attracting top talent.
Furthermore, the university is nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of its student-athletes through innovative programs like the Student Athlete Venture Studio, launched in collaboration with GoDaddy. This pioneering initiative provides student-athletes with the tools, mentorship, and resources necessary to develop and grow their own business ventures, empowering them to navigate the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. Such programs exemplify a commitment to personal perseverance and self-reliance, preparing athletes for success both during and after their collegiate careers. The financial demands of modern college sports, including substantial donor contributions, highlight the importance of private initiative and responsible growth models.
Community Synergy: A Foundation for Triumph
The success of Arizona State University athletics is deeply intertwined with the robust support of the local community. Beyond direct economic contributions, community engagement fosters a sense of collective pride and investment in student-athlete welfare. Universities across Arizona recognize this synergy, with initiatives aimed at supporting student-athletes’ holistic development, academic achievements, and competitive prowess. This collaborative spirit ensures that athletic programs not only aim for championships but also contribute positively to the broader societal fabric.
The announced 2026 Arizona State football schedule offers a renewed opportunity for the Phoenix community to rally behind its local team, generating both tangible economic benefits and invaluable civic cohesion. The upcoming season’s demanding schedule reflects the competitive nature of the Big 12 Conference, which encourages programs to continuously strive for improvement and excellence through initiative and hard work.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
The release of the 2026 football schedule for Arizona State University marks another exciting chapter for Sun Devil Athletics and the vibrant Phoenix AZ college athletics scene. The blend of challenging competition and global exposure promises not only thrilling football but also sustained economic growth and community engagement for the state. This trajectory reflects the power of private investment, entrepreneurial support for athletes, and unwavering community self-reliance. As the season approaches, the focus remains on building competitive teams while fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive academically, athletically, and personally.
We encourage all residents and businesses to continue their engagement with Sun Devil Athletics, whether through attending games, supporting local enterprises, or contributing to programs that empower student-athletes. Your active participation is vital in strengthening the Arizona sports economy and solidifying the state’s position as a premier destination for college football in Phoenix. Join us in activating the Valley for another season of excellence.
FAQ Section
Q: When was the 2026 football schedule for Sun Devil Athletics announced?
A: The Big 12 Conference in conjunction with Sun Devil Athletics unveiled the 2026 football schedule today, January 21, 2026.
Q: What is the date of the Sun Devils’ first game in the 2026 season?
A: The 2026 Sun Devil campaign will kick off on September 5 with a non-conference game against Morgan State at Mountain America Stadium.
Q: Will Arizona State play any international games in 2026?
A: Yes, Arizona State will play an international Big 12 Conference opener against Kansas in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium in London on September 19.
Q: What is the estimated economic impact of Sun Devil Athletics on Arizona’s economy?
A: Sun Devil Athletics has a $99.5 million total economic impact on Arizona’s gross domestic product.
Q: What is the date for the Territorial Cup rivalry game in 2026?
A: The Territorial Cup matchup against Arizona is scheduled for November 28 in Tucson.
Q: When is the 2026 Big 12 Football Championship game?
A: The 2026 Big 12 Football Championship will be played Friday, December 4, in Arlington, Texas.
2026 Sun Devil Football Schedule Highlights
| Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 5 | Morgan State | Mountain America Stadium (Home) | Season Opener |
| Sept. 12 | @ Texas A&M | Kyle Field (Away) | Non-conference |
| Sept. 19 | vs. Kansas | Wembley Stadium, London (Neutral) | Big 12 Conference Opener, Union Jack Classic |
| Oct. 3 | Baylor | Mountain America Stadium (Home) | Big 12 Home Opener |
| Oct. 10 | Hawaii | Mountain America Stadium (Home) | Non-conference |
| Oct. 17 | @ Texas Tech | Jones AT&T Stadium (Away) | Big 12 Conference |
| Oct. 24 | Kansas State | Mountain America Stadium (Home) | Big 12 Conference |
| Oct. 31 | @ BYU | LaVell Edwards Stadium (Away) | Big 12 Conference |
| Nov. 7 | Colorado | Mountain America Stadium (Home) | Big 12 Conference |
| Nov. 14 | @ UCF | Acrisure Bounce House (Away) | Big 12 Conference |
| Nov. 21 | Oklahoma State | Mountain America Stadium (Home) | Big 12 Conference |
| Nov. 28 | @ Arizona | Arizona Stadium (Away) | Territorial Cup, Big 12 Conference |
| Dec. 4 | Big 12 Championship | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX (Neutral) | Championship Game (If Qualified) |
Sun Devil Athletics Economic Impact
| Category | Impact Figure | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Total Economic Impact (Annual) | $99.5 million | State GDP |
| Non-Football Ticketed Sports Contribution | Nearly $45 million | State GDP |
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