You would not be wrong in saying that Kansas’ defense has already seen improvements from the 2025 campaign.
For one, the Jayhawks’ defensive line comprises Leroy Harris III, Blake Herold, Marcus Calvin and David Santiago. With depth pieces in Alex Bray, Kevin Oatis, Eamon Smalls and Dakyus Brinkley filling in behind.
Moving back a level, you come across a linebacker corps of Quincy Davis and Trey Lathan. Lathan has been a standout since he arrived from West Virginia, and Davis was tipped as a potential breakout player. This isn’t to mention the fact that fellow transfer Daveon “Bam” Crouch was injured on just the second drive of the season, and is working himself back up to full fitness.
The Jayhawks’ secondary has had its moments of struggle, including a 292-yard outing from Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons in the 38-21 Border Showdown loss against the Tigers. But there can’t be any real judgments made about them until the season gets into the thick of Big 12 play.
Speaking of the Missouri game, KU did an elite job of limiting the Tigers’ rushing attack. Barring one 64-yard rush from Jamal Roberts, Kansas kept running avenues clogged, holding Missouri to 4.3 yards per rush.
Earlier this week, prior to Kansas’ flight overseas for the Union Jack Classic against Arizona State, defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald spoke to the media.
“Really encouraging. I mean, that's been a point of emphasis. That was a big point of emphasis of the game, stop the run, and we did that, and if we can continue to do that, and then mix in the coverage portion, I think we can have a special defense here.”
McDonald himself is only in his second year as KU’s defensive coordinator, with stops at Iowa State and the Philadelphia Eagles preceding his time at Kansas.
“That's the goal. I think we're just one little small thing away, and I think if we can fix that going into London here and playing a really good Arizona State team. But I think we can really be a good defense. I'm excited to go out there.”
How much has KU been tested this season and how much harder will opposing offenses get?
In all likelihood, there won’t be any easier offense than LIU but any harder offense than Missouri. It was just a year ago that Simmons was trusted by Lane Kiffin to lead the Ole Miss offense, which should tell you all you need to know. That being said, there are still dangerous quarterbacks in the Big 12 that can attack the Jayhawks if Kansas’ defense isn’t up to the test.
The Sun Devils will serve as a great gauge to measure the Jayhawks so far this season. Kenny Dillingham has one of the nation’s best wideouts in Reed Harris, but also an unproven QB in transfer Cutter Boley.
Kickoff against Arizona State is set for 11 a.m. CT with streaming available on Fox Sports One, this Saturday.
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