The Union Jack Classic trophy is unusual.
It will be awarded to the winner of the first college football game played in London when Kansas (1-1) and Arizona State (1-1) meet on Sept. 19. The game at Wembley Stadium kicks off at 9 a.m. MST and will air on FS1.
The trophy, handcrafted and developed over the past nine months, is approximately 20 inches wide, 18 inches tall and weighs 50 pounds.
It celebrates the meeting of American college football and one of the world's most iconic cities and entertainment venues. The trophy features a football anchored between the appendages of the iconic Tower Bridge and was designed by Franco Valobra of Valobra Master Jewelers.
Union Jack Classic CEO Brian Dubiski said Wembley Stadium will host the game annually
through 2030. The participants for the 2027 game are expected to be announced soon.
A new tradition deserves a trophy to match. 🏆🇬🇧
— unionjackclassic (@unionjackclasic) July 13, 2026
This is the official Union Jack Classic Trophy, designed by Franco Valobra of Valobra Master Jewelers and inspired by London's Tower Bridge. On Sept. 19, Kansas or Arizona State will become the first team to lift it at Wembley🏈 pic.twitter.com/2VVrOCrv15
The trophy will be engraved with the winner of each Union Jack Classic to stand as a lasting symbol of the competition and celebrate the connection between American college football and London on the international stage.
"From day one, our goal has been to create something that feels truly special for the teams, the fans, and the future of college football in the UK," Dubiski said. "This trophy captures that vision. It's inspired by one of London's most iconic landmarks and represents the connection between two great sporting cultures. We can't wait to see it lifted at Wembley as we celebrate what we know is the start of a new tradition."
The event was created by sports marketing veterans Brian Dubiski, Thomas Hensey, and Rob Yowell, who have considerable experience bringing NFL games to international markets. The Union Jack Classic was created to establish a long-term home for elite college football in the UK.
The Union Jack Classic will deliver the full American college football experience to London. Both schools are sending bands and cheerleaders with pregame festivities, including planned tailgating. A pep rally will be held the day before the game at the Adidas flagship store on Oxford Street.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Union Jack Classic created by marriage of college football and London
