The Kansas football team launches its 2025 season Saturday at home against Fresno State. It is the first time in two years that the Jayhawks have played in Lawrence because last season they played in two Kansas City professional venues while the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium was being rejuvenated.
This KU team is shrouded in mystery because the roster has been extensively overhauled. Various Big 12 preseason rankings don’t think much of the roster, so it is up to the players and coaches to prove everyone wrong.
A season-opening win will do a lot to bolster the confidence of the players and fans, and it will maintain the excitement already surrounding the team and the improved stadium.
3 bold predictions for the Kansas Jayhawks game against the Fresno State Bulldogs
No. 3: Daniel Hishaw Jr. will have a big game
Hishaw has always been a productive back for KU when healthy. He has 1,493 yards rushing in his career and 18 touchdowns on the ground. His career-best game came during his junior year, when he ran for 134 yards and scored twice.
Devin Neal is gone now, and while Hishaw is competing for snaps with Iowa transfer LeShon Williams, Hishaw should be the leader in the rushing game. As the feature back, Hishaw will produce his second 100-yard game and get at least one score.
Williams will provide relief and should do well, but Hishaw will stake his claim as RB1.
No. 2: Jalon Daniels will make everyone forget last year’s early struggles
There is no doubt about it. This is Daniels’ team. He is going to step up and remind everyone why he was the 2023 Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year before injuries derailed his season.
Daniels has been a star for Kansas when healthy, and he will be on a mission this season to remind everyone of why he was so highly considered two years ago.
He is going to have a great game Saturday, with more than 300 yards passing, as he’s going to put everyone’s mind to rest about all of the new wide receivers and tight ends.
No. 1: After a slow start, the Kansas football team will win easily
KU will take a quarter or so to settle down from the adrenaline rush from the excited fans and beautiful stadium. After that, the Jayhawks are going to put it on the Bulldogs.
With Hishaw and Daniels taking control, Kansas will win easily. Look for a big victory on Saturday. The Jayhawks will surprise on both sides of the ball and come away with a three-touchdown win - 38-17.