Kansas football Jayhawks position breakdown for 2023: Defense

Kansas football position breakdown for 2023: Defense

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 05: Defensive lineman Malcom Lee #99 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates after a fumble recovery by Nate Betts #34 during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

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We previewed each offensive player in their respective position group ahead of the 2023 Kansas football season.

The Kansas Jayhawks offense did its job last season. The defense? Not so much.

Last year’s defense, led by coordinator Brian Borland, allowed 35.5 points per game in 2022. It was the worst mark in the Big 12 and in the bottom ten of all FBS schools. In order for Kansas football to reach another bowl game this season, the defense will need to make considerable improvements.

Lonnie Phelps, Sam Burt, Malcolm Lee, and Caleb Sampson all departed to the NFL. Kansas returns 91% of its defensive production, but there are also a handful of transfers looking to make their way onto the field.

There is plenty of individual talent on the defensive end, but the question is whether they will be able to gel together. Still, we looked over the strongest and weakest position groups and pinpointed areas the Jayhawks might struggle with during the upcoming season.

This is a breakdown of each defensive position group ahead of the 2023 Kansas football season.

You can also view our offensive position breakdown by clicking here.

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