Kansas football: No. 11 recruit in 2025 class to attend K-State game

The Kansas football coaches are hosting one of the top prospects in the 2025 class for the weekend of the Sunflower Showdown.

Along with several commits in the upcoming graduating class, Kansas football is set to have a handful of recruits visiting the most anticipated Sunflower Showdown in the past decade.

Iose Epenesa, the brother of Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa, is one of many high school prospects visiting Lawrence tomorrow night. He also has ties to the current KU roster, as he is the cousin of left tackle and future professional player Dominick Puni.

247 Sports rates him a 4-star prospect and the 11th-best player in the 2025 class. He is also the 2nd-best defensive lineman and best player out of the state of Illinois. While these rankings are subject to change over the next two years, Epenesa would likely be the most highly-touted player to commit to Kansas football in the 21st century.

Epenesa attends Edwardsville in Illinois. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, he also plays tight end for his high school.

National recruiting analyst Alan Trieu wrote this about Epenesa in his quick scouting report:

“Played both sides of the ball as a freshman, but future is most likely as a defensive lineman. Has a varied athletic background that includes throwing in track and field and basketball. Runs well and can chase down plays. Gets off the snap and can win with a speed rush. Looking at his genetics and early growth potential, he is likely to be a big college end but will have the athleticism to stay on the edge like his brother. Projects out as a high-major player.”

While Kansas might just be a courtesy visit for Epenesa to see his family, it is a massive step in the right direction for Kansas, a program that has struggled to even bring in 4-star recruits in the past.

It is paramount that the Jayhawks put on a show while Epenesa and a handful of other big names are in town for the game, just like they did when they upset Oklahoma in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.