Since Kansas’ 5-7 2025 season came to an end in late November, not only has there been a massive reshuffling in the incomings and outgoings for next season, but now is also the time for those NFL hopefuls to begin to separate themselves from the pack.
Jalon Daniels is peaking at the right time
One of those players is former KU quarterback Jalon Daniels. Daniels suffered an up-and-down 2024 season, where he finished with 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions for 2,454 yards through the air with six touchdowns on the ground, stacking pressure onto his shoulders for an elite senior year.
Through the course of the 2025 campaign, Daniels played at the most consistent level of his career, finishing the season with 22 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a career-high 2,531 yards, a 62.1% completion rate, and a further four rushing touchdowns. Now things weren’t perfect as Daniels finished his last ever game with three interceptions in Kansas’ 31-21 loss to the Utah Utes; however, Daniels showed promise consistently throughout the season, and eventually earned a spot on the East team for the 2026 Shrine Bowl.
Taking advantage of his opportunities
Countless social media accounts have been praising Daniels’ ability through the air and on the ground
Second consecutive really strong day from QB Jalon Daniels via the East practice footage. Was easily the best in 7-on-7 and continued well into his 11-on-11's, showing off that when other QBs have their throw options covered, he has one more weapon (legs) in the arsenal. https://t.co/8nkwUlrsMn
— Chris Kouffman (@ckparrot) January 24, 2026
Here is another example of Daniels’ strong arm.
Play blown dead for a sack, but watch the throw from #RockChalk QB Jalon Daniels here at the end👀 pic.twitter.com/jdMmV8BvcV
— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) January 25, 2026
These are all qualities Daniels flexed in his senior season, but things never panned out how he would have wanted as the Jayhawks went back-to-back seasons without a bowl game, and instead finished with 5-7 seasons.
What’s next for Daniels
The 101st East-West Shrine Bowl is set for 6 p.m. CT with streaming available on the NFL Network
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