The last two seasons under head coach Lance Leipold have seen a slight drop-off in the momentum the former Buffalo coach had put together.
The Jayhawks have had back-to-back 5-7 seasons, which have culminated in zero bowl appearances, and now find themselves being forced to rebuild without longtime quarterback Jalon Daniels, who is now plying his trade in the NFL.
While Kansas welcomed former associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki back with open arms, the Jayhawks have to get things right in order to not experience a third bowl-less season over the last five years, and ESPN doesn’t quite think they have.
Kansas ranked as a bottom-dweller in recent ESPN list
KU was touted as having the Big 12’s 13th-worst offseason, for one key reason. Change, tons of change.
"With 37 seniors graduating, including 22 who started games during the 2025 season. Gone is Daniels, their 45-game starter at quarterback over six seasons, and most of their offensive production from last season. Only two full-time starters -- offensive linemen Calvin Clements and Amir Herring."
The Jayhawks are set to reel back in 42% of their team from last season, which ranks No. 58th in the nation.
But what makes it interesting is that returning associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki is bringing back just 31% of last season’s offensive production, a mark that plants KU No. 94th in the country.
What ESPN liked in Kansas’ offseason
Last season, Kansas’ defense was inconsistent, and at times when the offense was clicking into the final gear, it often felt like the Jayhawks’ defense would fall flat and couldn’t provide that crucial stop, and vice versa, to be fair. However, the additions of Tre’Von McAlpine and David Santiago are seen as big boosts to Kansas’ defensive front.
"Getting Kansas' inconsistent defense fixed was a big focus in January, and the Jayhawks feel as if they've added the right player, particularly up front. They brought in McAlpine (Tulane) and Santiago (Michigan State) to complement edge rusher Leroy Harris III and defensive tackle Blake Herold for what should be a much-improved D-line while also adding several more fifth-year seniors with starting experience on defense."
Last season Kansas gave up an average of 409.5 yards per game, which placed Leipold's side No. 95.
In Daniels’ final season, barring Emmanuel Henderson Jr. KU struggled to produce much wide receiving consistency, and while Nik McMillan and Nahzae Cox aren’t two names that lit up the transfer portal cycle, the pair bring experience.
McMillan has had two solid years of production, which included an All-MAC First Team nomination last season with 981 yards and three touchdowns.
Cox, meanwhile, has spent years at both Fresno City and Middle Tennessee, where he compiled 670 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games.
At Middle Tennessee, Cox added 473 yards and 40 receptions with an additional five touchdowns.
Final thoughts
While there was a strong amount of roster turnover, which factors heavily into KU’s ranking, the Jayhawks are bringing back Kotelnicki and will be dealing with a second-year coordinator in D.K. McDonald, whose first season hurdles should hopefully be overcome heading into next season.
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