It feels like everything revolves around Kansas’ quarterback situation ahead of next season. It is rare in sports to see one position have so much control over a team’s success, but in football, you really can’t get your quarterback selection wrong.
Ever since head coach Lance Leipold walked in the door, injury withstanding, Jalon Daniels was that guy to do it. His ability to control games at a decent pace and commitment to the program that stood by him through his injuries, and vice versa, made him the clear choice.
But now there is no Daniels. The former three-star quarterback is going to be plying his trade on Sundays now, meaning someone will have to fill the shoes of the cult hero.
The three most mentioned replacement options involve Cole Ballard, a redshirt junior who truly grinded his way to this position, having to bide his time every season.
Redshirt junior Chase Jenkins, a dual-threat quarterback who was decently impressive at Rice, with a season at wideout crammed between two years at quarterback.
Lastly lies Isaiah Marshall. Marshall is currently a redshirt sophomore whose ability on the ground makes him a mouth-watering prospect, even if the Michigan native notched limited passing attempts last season.
CBS Sports reveals no one has taken the lead in the battle for QB1
In CBS Sports’ latest article titled “Big 12 post-spring insider intel: QB updates, a 5-star's resurgence, breakout players and more,” one thing is made abundantly clear. No one truly knows who is in the lead to take under center heading into September 4th’s matchup against Long Island University.
This was the feeling leaving spring camp. Based on last season alone, Marshall’s ability to culminate yards on the ground in specific game scenarios probably makes him the fan-favorite for the spot. However, several preseason projections constantly flip him and Ballard. With Jenkins reportedly being injured, there is no real gauge on his chances at starting under center.
“‘It's still a real open competition and still a competitive battle,’ a source said,” writes Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer.
From an experience standpoint, Jenkins is the winner having started before at the FBS level. Marshall was a former recruit of returning associate head coach Andy Kotenlicki, and Ballard has kept his name at the top of the list throughout.
No matter who takes the mantle, things have to improve
Last season, Kansas’ offense was wildly inconsistent. Through certain quarters, the Jayhawks would stage a comeback or take a big lead, just for things to slowly peter out in the final 15 minutes. In total yards per game, the Jayhawks ranked No. 77 with 368.8 yards per game; KU finished No. 60 in the country with 157.8 rushing yards per outing, No. 88 in passing attacks with 211 yards through the air per game, and No. 68 in points per game with 26.5.
The quarterback battle is not the only offensive battle fully unsolved. Kotelnicki and Co. are revamping the offensive line, wideout room and running back corps, but without at least a decent man under center, it's hard to map out a first bowl season since 2024.
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