The Border War is back for another chapter as the Kansas Jayhawks welcome the Missouri Tigers to Lawrence on Friday night in one of the biggest games on the Big 12 schedule in Week 2.
Both teams enter the rivalry matchup at 1-0 after cruising through their season openers. Kansas knocked off Long Island 51-6 behind an impressive debut from quarterback Isaiah Marshall, while No. 25 Missouri rolled past Arkansas-Pine Bluff 54-14. Now the competition takes a massive step up for both sides as Kansas looks to avenge last season’s 42-31 loss to Missouri and pick up an early statement win for the Big 12.
Kansas vs. Missouri Odds
- Spread: Missouri -5.5 (opened -6.5)
- Over/Under: 50.5
- Moneyline: Missouri -218/Kansas +180
Odds as of Monday afternoon. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Can Isaiah Marshall Handle the Heat?
Kansas has handed the reins of the offense to Isaiah Marshall, and now his third career start will be against a hated rival with a stout defense. Lance Leipold needs to give him opportunities early to gain confidence and settle down quickly. Also, KU needs to get that running game fired up quickly with Yasin Willis carrying the load like he did in the opener vs. LIU. Missouri’s defense in 2025 was fantastic, finishing eighth in the nation overall, allowing just 277 yards and fewer than 19 points per game. And while there are plenty of new faces on defense via the transfer portal, there’s still a ton of talent that should keep this unit as one of the better defenses in the SEC. Let’s see if Marshall is up to the task.
Kansas vs. Missouri Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Missouri 27, Kansas 23
Both sides have been talking smack, notably on social media, since Sunday. This is going to be fantastic. It was Kansas getting off to a hot start in Columbia last year before the Tigers came on and took care of business as the game progressed. The pick for me comes down to going with the team that has the more consistent and proven defense, plus the quarterback play that I am more confident in with Austin Simmons. Simmons was great against UAPB, and while yes, it’s UAPB, he went 17/19 for 252 yards and four touchdowns. His partner in crime from Ole Miss, Cayden Lee, had five catches for 89 yards and one score. Also, Kansas’ offensive line remains a question mark, and Missouri’s defensive front, despite new pieces, remains deep. That will cause KU some trouble. Also, speaking of trouble, KU could not find the end zone last season. There were too many empty trips inside the 20, scoring just 34 out of the 47 times the offense made it into the red zone. That might haunt them with too many field goals in this game. And if Marshall has a critical turnover, it will cost them. Kansas is home, which will give them some extra juice, but I think Missouri scores the go-ahead touchdown late to grab a tough road win in a great rivalry.
