The 2024 season was a disappointing one for the Kansas Jayhawks. Despite entering the year with high expectations, Lance Leipold's squad fell short of bowl eligibility, with multiple second-half collapses costing them key games.
Overall, the Jayhawks managed to stay relatively healthy across their key positions, but the team’s struggles stemmed from underperforming rather than injuries. One of the biggest uncertainties entering the season was the health of veteran quarterback Jalon Daniels. The sixth-year senior committed to returning for a final season in 2025, but concerns about his durability have resurfaced following recent news of a minor knee procedure:
NEW: Per Kansas, Jalon Daniels “underwent a minor knee procedure. It was successful and he will be a limited participant during spring practice.”#KUfball
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) February 6, 2025
Kansas QB Jalon Daniels undergoes offseason knee procedure
The university announced that he had undergone a 'minor' knee procedure and would be limited during spring practices. The news might not seem too alarming if Daniels was not as injury-prone as he is.
After starting off 2024 with four consecutive victories, Daniels and the rest of the team looked poised for a historic season. The offense was clicking, and KU's signal caller was playing at a high level. However, Daniels had been dealing with a back ailment during the offseason, and it ultimately became worse until he was sidelined for the final nine games of the year.
While Jason Bean was able to fill the void and lead the Jayhawks to a 9-4 finish that season, KU's current alternatives are not nearly as promising. Isaiah Marshall is expected to be the program's quarterback of the future, but he has yet to take a snap at the collegiate level. The only other option would be incoming redshirt sophomore Cole Ballard, who didn't show much in two starts a couple of years ago.
Daniels was limited in last spring's practice with the same back injury. Many fans speculated that the California native would miss time, but he stayed healthy for the entire campaign. He ended up playing all 12 games for Kansas, though his performance declined compared to his previous two seasons.
Between 2022 and 2023, Daniels played in just 12 of 26 possible games, making his availability a critical concern for Kansas. The team can't afford another prolonged absence from its quarterback. While it is reassuring that the medical staff is addressing potential issues well before the season starts, the procedure also raises concerns about whether this new injury could become a lingering problem.