The Kansas Jayhawks’ football program is currently beginning its offseason reshuffling, which many teams across the nation are undergoing. Kansas is one of the many teams that have seen an exodus of players who plan to enter the portal. So far this offseason, the Jayhawks are currently set to lose 16 players, and have snagged Jibriel Conde, a former Grand Valley State defensive tackle to help offset some of the damage.
One of the strengths of Kansas’ squad next season will have to be a high school class. Kansas currently has 16 players signed to the program, and ESPN have taken the difficult task of predicting who will have the biggest impact for several teams, and the Jayhawks’ nomination was tight end Jack Utz.
“Utz is a prime candidate to emerge early, even if he's not the most dynamic receiver in the class,” quoted Craig Haubert, Eli Lederman, and Tom Luginbill.
“Though additional strength will help, Utz already brings a big frame and experience as an in-line tight end. He could certainly become a productive receiver thanks to his good hands and body control. He's also a willing blocker, giving him three-down potential. A starting role might be ambitious, but with a strong offseason, Utz could become a valuable contributor in 2026.”
Utz is one of two tight ends from the class set to join the Jayhawks.
Last season, one of the brightest spots of Kansas’ season was its ability to get the tight ends into play. For former transfer Boden Groen, in what was a wide-open room at the beginning of the season, Groen quickly emerged as a crucial target.
Groen notched 450 yards and five touchdowns, both setting career-high seasons for the former Rice player.
Groen’s soft hands and ability to find the open zone wreaked havoc against opposing defenses, especially in the redzone, so if Utz can do so, the future is bright for the current three-star.
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