With the start of the Kansas football team's practices comes the unveiling of the first projected two-deep depth chart. There are several positions where players can earn their position on the depth charts, but QB1 is set in stone.
With Jalon Daniels firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, the real battle will be for the backup position. Daniels has a long history of injuries, so this role is vital for the Jayhawks.
Henry Greenstein at KU Sports (subscription required) posted a two-deep depth chart for each position. He logically slotted Cole Ballard into the QB2 spot.
Cole Ballard is the backup quarterback for Kansas football, for now
It makes sense that Ballard, whose father, Chris, is the general manager for the Indianapolis Colts, is listed first behind Daniels on the quarterback depth chart. He is the only other signal-caller on the roster with much experience. In his first two seasons on campus, Ballard has played in seven games, completing 59.5 percent of his passing attempts for 337 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
His big moment came in 2023 when he filled in for the injured Jason Bean, who had been filling in for the injured Jalon Daniels. Ballard showed poise in that game and nearly led the Jayhawks to victory. KU muffed an easy pick-six opportunity late and lost by four points.
Ballard also displayed plenty of athleticism in the running game, gaining 117 yards in his career on 25 carries.
The only other quarterback with any playing time is redshirt junior Mikey Pauley, who had some brief action in the season-opening blowout against Lindenwood to begin the 2024 season.
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Marshall and true freshman David McComb are also in the mix. Both were impressive wins for the coaching staff, securing their commitments to Kansas; however, their preparedness to play this season remains unknown.
It would not be surprising if McComb redshirts this season, with an eye to the future. Marshall might be an exciting alternative to Ballard if something were to happen to Daniels.
Until the coaches see the players perform in practice, Ballard is a safe choice as the backup to Daniels. There is still a chance, however, that Marshall and McComb can impress enough to displace Ballard, possibly.
The first game is just over four weeks away, on August 23. It’s time to get excited about the Jayhawks!