Kansas City, Mo. — The opening game for Nebraska’s 2025 football season is set to take place against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium, as jointly announced by the two universities and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.
Scheduled for Thursday, August 28, the kickoff time has yet to be confirmed. Initially, this matchup was slated to be hosted at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, followed by a planned venue change to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis before the final decision to move to Kansas City.
Additionally, it has been reported that Nebraska and Cincinnati have adjusted the timeline for a future game slated for Lincoln. Instead of playing in 2032, the teams are now set to face off on September 10, 2033.
Cincinnati’s athletic director, John Cunningham, expressed enthusiasm for the season opener, noting, “Kicking off the 2025 season at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium provides an exceptional platform to highlight Bearcats football in such a prominent NFL venue. This occasion not only delivers significant financial advantages for the program but also enhances the Bearcats’ visibility on a national scale. Hosting this matchup underscores our ambition and our goal to explore new opportunities within the evolving arena of college athletics.”
This encounter will be the second between the two teams; the only prior meeting was in 1906, when Nebraska secured a decisive 41-0 victory over Cincinnati.
Troy Dannen, athletic director for Nebraska, also shared his thoughts on the collaboration with Cincinnati and the Kansas City Chiefs to bring the 2025 season opener to Arrowhead Stadium. He stated, “I am thrilled to join forces with the University of Cincinnati and the Kansas City Chiefs to present this thrilling opening game for us in 2025. Since my tenure at Nebraska began, a recurring message from our supporters has been the desire for road games that are easily accessible. This matchup provides a perfect chance for our loyal fanbase to enjoy a short trip to Kansas City and celebrate Labor Day weekend while cheering on the Huskers as they begin their season.”