In order for the Kansas Jayhawks to turn the ship around on the 2026 campaign, it starts with the offense.
After all, while the defense hasn’t been perfect, there's only so much blame that can be given to a team that has been put into some dreadul starting positions. On the offensive side, however, things quickly began to stutter once you got past the LIU Sharks in week one.
A trademark of an Andy Kotelnicki offense is a strong rushing attack. In 2023, Kotelnicki’s last year before joining James Franklin at Penn State, KU ranked No. 8 in the country with 202.8 rushing yards per game.
As of publication, Kansas is currently touting the nation’s 83rd-best rushing offense at 129.5 yards per game. A dramatic drop-off, to say the least.
Things look even bleaker when you consider that Syracuse transfer running back Yasin Willis will likely be missing the remaining nine games of the 2026 season after undergoing surgery during KU’s bye week. Willis came off the field in the first half of the Union Jack Classic loss to Arizona State and was seen in street clothes and in a boot for the entire second half.
Since that 24-17 debacle, Kansas has made some moves to the running back room, including the addition of former Kennesaw State and Northern Arizona rusher Chase Belcher, while also moving former safety Khijohnn Cummings-Coleman to the running back spot as well. A report on why Kansas made the move for Cummings-Coleman can be found here.
Why did Kansas make the move for Belcher?
When speaking with the media earlier this week, the KU offensive coordinator and associate head coach spoke on Belcher’s acquisition.
“He's got really good size and power, change of direction, has good vision. You know, the things that you see with him on film. And we had an opportunity to add to the roster. We were getting backed up a little bit and so we had to do what was best to make Kansas football better.”
Admittedly, Kotelnicki stated that the running back options were limited when they began their search for another piece at the spot.
Heading into this week, Kansas’ rushing attack is averaging 3.4 yards per carry. If redshirt sophomore quarterback Isaiah Marshall’s arm were firing on all cylinders, this wouldn’t be a massive problem. But so far through his three games, Marshall’s play has been unpredictable, calling for a steadier rushing attack to relieve some of the pressure off the young quarterback.
While Belcher doesn’t leap straight into the two-deep following his acclimation period, he will likely become the team’s No. 3 running back behind Dylan Edwards and Jalen Dupree. Both first year transfers who have also struggled with injury.
Last season, Edwards played just four games for the Kansas State Wildcats, while Dupree has already missed time this season after not being involved in the Arizona State loss.
Up next for the Kansas Jayhawks is a home stand against Middle Tennessee in what is a requisite win before Big 12 play kicks into full gear.
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