The “Border War:” a rivalry defined by Civil War Hatred, has returned to the forefront of college football. The University of Kansas Jayhawks and the University of Missouri Tigers renewed their historic rivalry on Saturday, September 6, 2025, after a 13-year hiatus, reigniting a feud that stretches back to the violent era of “Bleeding Kansas.” This clash, known for its intense animosity, isn’t just a game; it’s a continuation of a conflict deeply rooted in American history.
The Participants: Teams and Their Legacies
At its core, the Border War pits the athletic programs of the University of Kansas Jayhawks against the University of Missouri Tigers. The intensity extends beyond the athletes themselves. According to multiple online sources, including Yahoo Sports and BVM Sports, coaches like Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Kansas’s Lance Leipold are now taking on the role of “history professors,” educating their teams about the rivalry’s origins. Former players, like Mizzou quarterback Chase Daniel, have emphasized the deep-seated “hatred” that defines the matchup. Even legendary Kansas coach Don Fambrough has spoken about the rivalry’s unique intensity. The fans, carrying generations of animosity, also play a significant role in fueling the passion surrounding this historic contest.
A Timeline of Animosity
From Gridiron to Guerrilla Warfare
The athletic rivalry formally began with a football game in 1891. From 1907 to 2012, as noted by the Mizzou Alumni Association, the schools were conference rivals, competing annually in all sports except for 1918, due to the influenza pandemic. However, the roots of this conflict run much deeper, tracing back to the 1850s and the “Bleeding Kansas” era. As detailed in articles from the Kansas City Star and the Columbia Missourian, the recent renewal of the football rivalry in 2025 ended a 13-year pause caused by Missouri’s departure from the Big 12 Conference.
Where Hatred Plays Out
The Border War is geographically focused on the Kansas-Missouri border. Games have been held on both university campuses and at neutral sites, such as Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The recent game on September 6, 2025, was hosted in Columbia, Missouri, at Memorial Stadium, as reported by ClutchPoints, bringing the rivalry back to its traditional battleground.
The Why: Civil War’s Lingering Shadow
“Bleeding Kansas” and its Impact
The “hatred” inherent in the Border War is inextricably linked to the violent “Bleeding Kansas” period and the Civil War. During this time, anti-slavery “Jayhawkers” from Kansas clashed with pro-slavery “Bushwhackers” from Missouri over the legality of slavery in the Kansas Territory. Events like William Quantrill’s raid on Lawrence, Kansas, in 1863, as documented on Wikipedia, solidified the animosity between the two states. This historical conflict directly translated into the athletic arena, creating a rivalry unlike any other. Missouri’s move to the SEC in 2012 directly caused the interruption of the annual series.
The Impact: Rekindling the Flames
The return of the Border War is generating immense excitement and national attention. With both teams entering the recent matchup with strong records, the stakes are higher than ever. Coaches are actively educating their players on the rivalry’s historical significance, ensuring that new generations understand its gravity. This rekindled competition is viewed as a positive development for college football, potentially influencing recruiting and boosting fan engagement. As Chase Daniel stated, according to BVM Sports, “The hatred runs deep,” and its return is “good for college football.” This rivalry’s direct connection to a literal war sets it apart from other college sports rivalries, making it a unique and compelling spectacle.
Looking Forward: A Rivalry Reborn
The renewed Border War signifies more than just a football game; it represents the continuation of a historical narrative. The passions, deeply rooted in the Civil War era, continue to fuel the intensity on the field. As the University of Kansas Jayhawks and the University of Missouri Tigers continue this rivalry, the echoes of “Bleeding Kansas” will undoubtedly resonate, making it a captivating event for players, fans, and the broader college football community. The lessons learned from this unique rivalry, as Taylor Press notes, will continue to shape the understanding of college sports and its connection to broader historical contexts.
