BYU, Oregon State Set for 2028 Vegas Kickoff Classic
The BYU Cougars and Oregon State Beavers are officially slated to square off in the 2028 Vegas Kickoff Classic, the announcement came Wednesday.
The Cougars and Beavers will play at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, during Labor Day Weekend to begin the 2028 campaign. “We are thrilled to return to Las Vegas for the 2028 Vegas Kickoff Classic and face a strong program like Oregon State,” said BYU athletic director Brian Santiago. “ESPN and the Kickoff Classic staff have been trusted partners, and we appreciate our long-standing ties with them. Cougar Nation always shows up in Vegas, and we look forward to another incredible matchup in a fantastic atmosphere.”
Allegiant Stadium serves as home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders along with UNLV football of the Mountain West. Opened in 2020, the venue holds 65,000 fans, with expansion capability to 71,835.
“Las Vegas remains a premier stage to launch the college football season in a significant way,” said Clint Overby, ESPN Events vice president. “Previous Kickoff Classics in Vegas have set records in both crowd size and television viewership. We can’t wait to welcome these excellent programs and their supporters to another memorable Vegas Kickoff experience.”
Oregon State was initially scheduled to host BYU on Sept. 9, 2028, at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. However, that contest was canceled with the condition that the schools would work toward rescheduling. It’s unclear whether this Classic matchup replaces that game or if the Cougars and Beavers could still meet later in Corvallis.
“We’re thrilled to showcase two regional rivals with national appeal as part of our future lineup,” said John Saccenti, executive director of the Vegas Kickoff Classic and Las Vegas Bowl. “Both BYU and Oregon State have enjoyed past success here, and Las Vegas is the perfect stage to reunite two historic rivals before we welcome Arkansas and Texas Tech in 2030.”
It was also confirmed Wednesday that the 2030 Vegas Kickoff Classic will feature the Arkansas Razorbacks against the Texas Tech Red Raiders over Labor Day weekend.
Future Vegas Kickoff Classic Matchups
2027 – Miami vs. Utah
2027 – North Dakota State vs. Montana State
2028 – BYU vs. Oregon State
2029 – Montana vs. South Dakota State
2030 – Texas Tech vs. Arkansas
