The Kansas football program is in an interesting place right now.
Depending on who you ask, the Jayhawks are either on track to propel themselves to what could be a solid bowl-qualifying season under Lance Leipold, making it his third in the last five years.
Or 2026 could represent another season where barren fourth quarters may lead the way, and the Jayhawks fall just short of a bowl. Funnily enough, it would be Leipold’s third bowl-less season in five years if Kansas were not to finish the 2026 campaign with a postseason finale.
According to CBS Sports’ “College Football Returning Snap Productions,” piece by Cody Nagel, those questions over what type of team will take the field next season are in no way answered, and if anything, are mired just a bit more.
Kansas presents a polarizing production case
Overall, 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.
Meanwhile, a defensive end that will be led by second-year coordinator D.K. McDonald is bringing back 52% of last season’s defense, placing the Jayhawks at No. 29th.
What does this mean?
When you look at measuring production-return, you can’t just look into a simplistic view of “highest returning teams win.” Because what really matters is who you are replacing those exiting pieces with.
Look at Kansas’ offense next season. There is a massive question mark over who will be playing quarterback next season now that Jalon Daniels is gone. The three options set to pose a challenge are Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall and Chase Jenkins.
No matter how streaky Daniels may have been in his final season, there is little doubt that his natural ability and experience top anything Ballard, Marshall and Jenkins have done so far. So for Kotelnicki, losing that production of Daniels is likely a bad thing. In other positions, like running back, where Leshon Williams and Daniel Hishaw Jr. left the building for exciting prospects Yasin Willis and Dylan Edwards, the production loss isn’t as bad as a hit.
Which side would you rather have more returning production for?
Heading into next season, it is much more important for the Jayhawks to bring back their defensive corps. While McDonald’s defense broke serve on a few occasions, like in Kansas’ narrow 27-20 win over UCF, KU gave up 500+ yards three separate times last season in losses against Missouri, Cincinnati and Texas Tech. For McDonald to be able to rely on linebacker Joseph Sipp Jr. as a reliable player means a lot for a young coordinator.
Meanwhile, for Kotelnicki, his experience with both the Jayhawks and Penn State, where he led stellar offenses, means he can likely do more with a transfer-laden front.
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