The Kansas Jayhawk football program is in a state of flux; it hasn’t found itself since former Buffalo coach Lance Leipold walked into the program ahead of the 2021 season.
Daniels compiled a heroic career with Kansas, totaling over 9,200 yards, 67 touchdowns and 31 interceptions in a team that saw the lows of a 2-10 season, and the highs of No. 19 spot in the AP poll.
Of course, Daniels wasn’t a perfect player. In the 2025 campaign, especially, Kansas’ fourth-quarter offense fell flat and cost them in several one-score games. But by no means could anyone qualify Daniels as anything but a star for a program that was in dire need of one.
Kansas dealt with an inexperienced team to get back to bowl eligibility
Daniels is a microcosm of something the entire team is dealing with: Roster turnover
While Kansas was able to backfill a lot of departing talent via the transfer portal, with star additions like running back Dylan Edwards and Yasin Willis, the Jayhawks only brought in one quarterback, redshirt junior Chase Jenkins.
Jenkins joins fellow redshirt junior Cole Ballard and redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall as the leading contenders for QB1 next season, a factor into why Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports labeled KU as “We don't have an identity” when referring to Kansas' wholesale changes from last season to next in his “Big 12 post-spring overreactions” article.
KU football will be dealing with several new assets next season, but without doubt, the one under the most scrutiny will be the quarterback position. Ballard and Marshall have experienced bit-part minutes, and Jenkins will be joining with real season of experience under his belt with 1,025 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions for a Rice team that finished 5-8 overall.
As previously mentioned, both sides of the ball will see their fair share of change from last season. Kansas’ wideout core was torn apart with the exits of Emmanuel Henderson Jr, Levi Wentz, Bryson Canty, Doug Emilien and Boden Groen.
The Jayhawks are only returning two starting offensive linemen from last season in Amir Herring and Calvin Clements.
Kansas defense raked in 16 incoming transfers along with three incoming freshmen, signaling mass changes on that side of the ball as well.
Kansas’ coaching staff is the biggest factor in ensuring success
As the offseason was just beginning to click into gear for the bowl-less Jayhawks, the program announced the rehiring of associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki. Kotelnicki was brought back to the program after two seasons at Penn State.
“...And really, what you look for in my practice, and being around the players, and seeing them and evaluating is so important, 'cause you're looking for the ones who can consistently do it,” Quoted and excited Kotelnicki in the midst of spring practice earlier this year.
“Anybody can make a big time catching one-on-ones once. Can you do it day after day?”
Bringing Kotelnicki back in charge of the offense is a big get for Leipold, as the Jayhawks had their two best seasons since Mark Mangino, with Kotelnicki taking control of the offense previously.
While the Jayhawks’ defense struggled in giving up three 500+ yard games last season, bringing back defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald for his second year is largely seen as a positive, as McDonald’s defense did pose strong defenses at points last season; they just often came short in games where a last-minute stop was required, i.e., Cincinnati, Missouri, Utah and Arizona.
More Kansas Football News
Add us as a preferred source on Google