The Kansas football team plays Long Island next Friday, and the excitement should be ratcheting up more over the coming days. The Jayhawks are hoping to surprise this season by competing at the top instead of lounging around in the middle of the pack.
Some big news broke on Thursday, and that should help build up confidence in the team, plus the massive renovations to the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium should add to the anticipation.
The Kansas football team finally names a starting quarterback for week one
It has been discouraging that the KU coaching staff hadn't named a starting quarterback before now. Everyone hoped that one of them would grab the role early and own the job, but that just didn't happen.
On Thursday, it was finally announced that redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall will start at quarterback against Long Island. Marshall seemed to have the most upside, but that doesn't always play out on the field as production. It is good that Marshall has earned the role.
Sources: Kansas has named Isaiah Marshall the school’s starting quarterback. He’s a redshirt sophomore dual-threat quarterback who has played in nine games, completed all 3 of his passes and rushed for 160 yards on 15 carries. pic.twitter.com/PaXKgMlPsl
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 27, 2026
Former Kansas star quarterback Jalon Daniels could earn the backup role for Tampa Bay
Speaking of quarterbacks, Jalon Daniels is one of the top two quarterbacks ever at Kansas, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft. He's had an impressive preseason and has played himself into a possible opportunity as the Bucs' primary backup quarterback.
Rick Stroud, Buccaneers beat writer for the Tampa Bay Times, tweeted that Daniels got the most snaps in 7-on-7 drills on Wednesday.
Jalon Daniels took the majority of reps during the Bucs 7 on 7 period after Baker Mayfield. Todd Bowles has not named a starter. Mayfield will not play but it will be interesting to see who starts vs. Jags.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 26, 2026
If Daniels plays well in Tampa's last preseason game against Jacksonville, he might earn the role as Baker Mayfield's backup. He probably wouldn't clear waivers if the Bucs wanted to place him on their practice squad.
It's exciting to see Daniels, a diehard Jayhawk who chose to stay all six years at Kansas, get an opportunity to make an impact in the NFL.
The Kansas running backs may be the team's strength
The Jayhawks will feature three transfers at the running back position this season. All will play significant roles in the running game.
Dylan Edwards, Yasin Willis, and Jalen Dupree have all made strong impressions on the coaching staff during workouts, and they will be essential toward taking pressure off an inexperienced Marshall and the passing game.
Freshman Kory Amachree might also see some carries. Having a deep and talented group of running backs might be the catalyst the offense behind a young quarterback will need to succeed.
A documentary about the greatest Kansas vs. Missouri football game to air in Kansas City
In 2007, the Jayhawks and the Tigers played the most important game in this bitter rivalry's history. KU was 11-0 and ranked second in the country (hard to believe, right?), and the Tigers were 10-1 and ranked fourth.
The game was one of the most exciting clashes for either school in the 117-game rivalry. A documentary called Armageddon at Arrowhead, produced by radio host Carrinton Harrison, will focus on the game itself as well as the fact both schools had their best teams ever in the same year. And the game, played at Arrowhead Stadium, did not disappoint.
Armageddon at Arrowhead will show on Thursday at the Screenland Armor Theater in Kansas City at 7 pm CDT.
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