Athlon Sports projects Kansas football to finish in top half of Big 12
Athlon Sports is providing Kansas football with hefty expectations for the 2023 season, as they project the Jayhawks to finish in the top half of the Big 12.
There have been differing predictions regarding how the Kansas Jayhawks will perform this year, with some publications placing them in the basement of the Big 12. However, other websites like Athlon are more optimistic about KU.
They ranked each of the 14 schools in the conference from top to bottom, including the four newcomers. Where they ranked the Jayhawks might surprise you, even if you’re a Kansas fan.
Where did Athlon Sports project Kansas football to finish in the Big 12?
Athlon places Kansas No. 6 in the conference behind Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas State, TCU, and Texas Tech, respectively. It’s one of the highest preseason rankings we’ve seen for them, as KU’s defense is widely viewed as its greatest weakness.
This is what they had to say about the Jayhawks ahead of 2023:
"“The Jayhawks showed marked improvement in coach Lance Leipold’s second year, jumping to 6-7 from a 2-10 record in ’21. With 17 starters back, including dynamic quarterback Jalon Daniels, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kansas take another step forward in ’23 – potentially as a dark horse candidate to make the Big 12 title game. Few concerns rest with an offense that returns largely intact from ’22, but the defense is under the spotlight after giving up 35.5 points a game last year. Leipold’s group is solid at linebacker and should improve in the secondary, but the front is a concern with all four starters departing.”"
Even the most hopeful members of the fanbase can agree that a trip to the Big 12 title game is not what we expect. At the end of the day, the defense that allowed 35.5 points per game lost last year several key contributors and will still vastly struggle. Football games are not won on one side of the field.
There is plenty to be excited about with one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation, a rising star at running back, and an improving receiving core. Another bowl game appearance is certainly a possibility, especially if Jalon Daniels can stay healthy and the defensive secondary continues to improve. Regardless, it is a bit too early to start placing KU in the top half of the conference.
Kansas football could make a tremendous leap forward in 2024 or 2025, but these predictions seem like a long shot.
The full prediction list can be found here.
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