Although the Kansas football team hasn’t matched the lofty expectations set at the start of the season, it’s clear that head coach Lance Leipold has elevated the program to new heights. In a remarkable 2023 campaign — their best in 15 years — the Jayhawks finished 9-4 and finished the season with a Guaranteed Rate Bowl victory. This year, they’ve continued to showcase that potential with consecutive upsets over top Big 12 opponents.
KU is looking to salvage its season and extend the collegiate careers of its seniors by attaining bowl eligibility. Once considered an afterthought, Leipold and Co. would qualify for the postseason if they win their final two contests. However, that will not come easy to the Jayhawks, as the upcoming game against Colorado is the toughest the team will play. Heading into the matchup, the head of Kansas' program had nothing but good things to say about Coach Prime and CU.
Kansas Head Coach Lance Leipold on Coach Prime :
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) November 18, 2024
“I have a lot of respect for Coach Prime…He coached High School Football, he coached at a HBCU university that doesn’t have many resources and he found a way to be successful” pic.twitter.com/yR22FWfi3E
Kansas football speaks about Deion Sanders ahead of Colorado game
Sanders began his coaching career at the NCAA level at Jackson State, an HBCU in Mississippi. He led them to a 27-6 record over three seasons before departing for the Buffs. Since arriving in Boulder, CU has been one of the most recognized college football programs in the country.
Leipold and Sanders have both orchestrated remarkable turnarounds for their programs, though Colorado has drawn greater national spotlight. The former superstar cornerback was 4-8 in his first campaign at the helm but turned it around once he got to the Big 12. They are ranked No. 16 nationally, holding an 8-2 record and a chance to make the conference title game if they win out.
Leipold inherited one of the least competitive programs in Power 5 football and rapidly transformed its reputation. After a decade in which Kansas failed to surpass three wins in any season, the Jayhawks have gone 19-17 since the start of 2022. Leipold’s success stems from the recruiting trail and the team’s performance on the field.
Kansas might not have what it takes to pull off another upset over the Buffs. Regardless, the two head coaches have the utmost respect for each other.