When you look back at last season, the Kansas Jayhawks’ defense was paltry.
And even that may be too nice a term. Over the offseason, when asked about last season, several players would bring up the lack of leadership in that group and veteran presence. Now maybe this opinion isn’t a consensus, but it does often feel like the “quarterback,” if you will, of a defense is always the linebacker.
After all, they are involved in nearly every play, while often being the defense’s signal caller. They usually lead the way in tackles, and a great linebacker can patch a lot of holes, making it a crucial position to get right.
So heading into this season, they had to get that position fixed up, and it feels like they have, even if it has been on show for just three games.
Kansas’ linebacker room doesn’t come without strife
You could clearly tell this was a priority via the NCAA Transfer Portal. KU reeled in linebackers the likes of Jibreel Al-Amin, Bam Crouch, Jaron Willis and Quincy Davis to help supplement a Trey Lathan who had entered the portal in the offseason before withdrawing.
While each linebacker had shown promising moments at their last stop, Crouch had the most eyes peeled on him. Crouch was a multi-year starter at Boston College and was even named a captain ahead of the 2025 season, before his campaign was mired with injury, limiting him to just four games.
With Crouch and Lathan a part of a linebacker corps that needed improving on from last season, it had finally looked like the pair were ready to help lead Kansas to its third bowl game in six years.
However, in just his second drive of the season, Crouch injured his shoulder and has been relegated to the bench ever since.
For most teams, this could be a killer blow, but thanks to Kansas’ commitment in the offseason, Davis has stepped up and made some big plays as Crouch is on the way back to 100% health.
Lathan and Davis are two of Kansas’ top three tacklers as of three weeks into the season. Lathan leads every Jayhawk with 19 total tackles, including one sack. Davis has added 14 of his own.
So far this season, the Jayhawks have held defenses down pretty well. Considering that KU has already had matchups against Missouri and Arizona State, two respective AP Top 25 contenders, Kansas has been able to average out to 348.5 yards allowed per game across three total contests.
What is the ceiling with this group?
Anyone who has watched KU football over the past couple of seasons really just wants consistency. On both sides of the ball, one drive they look great and the next, inept. Players like Crouch, Lathan and Willis, all experienced help limit those inept drives. If Crouch is back to full health soon, all of a sudden you have a strong trio to anchor what is already a stellar defensive line.
Overall Grade: B+
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