Making the move from an elite school like Texas, a place where you started at guard for five games, to Kansas, a dormant program since the 2010s, and not immediately becoming a starter could quickly turn into a stinging feeling. For guard Connor Stroh, that was the situation he was faced with when the week one depth chart against LIU was released.
For several players, that could become a real roadblock in their careers; for Stroh, however, he has done the complete opposite and let it motivate him into a start against Middle Tennessee this weekend.
Depth chart pic.twitter.com/nuqgxOIV5x
— Henry Greenstein (@HenryGreenstein) September 28, 2026
Stroh’s journey to the starting gig
Coming out of Wakeland High School, Stroh was ranked as the nation’s No. 239th-best prospect and as the country’s No. 12 interior offensive lineman. Stroh held offers from the likes of SMU, Tennessee, Stanford, Ole Miss, Minnesota, Michigan State, Kansas, Indiana, Florida State, Florida, Colorado, Cincinnati, Cal, Baylor, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Auburn and the Longhorns.
Stroh spent his first two seasons on the bench for Steve Sarkisian’s side before getting the call for a starting spot heading into last season.
Overall, Texas finished the season with a 10-3 record, narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff, despite going 6-2 inside the SEC. To show the gulf between the two teams, Kansas did not win six games in the whole of the 2025 season.
Andy Kotelnicki explains Stroh movement from backup to starting role
Earlier this week, when speaking with the media, offensive coordinator and associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki spoke on why Stroh was deserving of a starting spot.
“Well, when I was talking about the unit before, in terms of being consistent, he's demonstrated that. And I'm really proud of him, because, you know, he didn’t start in the first game, and he got a few reps, [he did a] Nice job. He got a few more in the next game. Did a really nice job. Got a lot more in the next game. Did a really nice job. So now he's gonna start.”
The Jayhawks opened the 2026 campaign with a 1-2 start, including power-conference losses to Missouri and Arizona State. Each loss somehow looks uglier than the other, but the ASU heartbreaker definitely carries more weight.
“So, he's a textbook example, in terms of when you have been given an opportunity, you capitalize on the opportunity; now you're given more opportunities. And then, to capitalize on those opportunities, give them more. And now he's gonna get the game's worth.”
Here is how Kansas’ offensive line will look this weekend against the Blue Raiders.
LT: Calvin Clements
LG: Connor Stroh
C: Kasen Carpenter
RG: Tavake Tuikolovatu
RT: Nick Morrow
It is no understatement to say Kansas’ season has fully reached must-win territory, especially if they want to reach a third bowl game under Lance Leipold. However, right now all they can face is the team in front of them, which is MTSU this Saturday at 11 a.m. CT, with streaming available on ESPNU.
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