Last week, the Kansas football season officially came to an end. Back-to-back 5-7 seasons spoiled a 4-2 start to the 2025 Jayhawk campaign.
With the season in the history books, it is time for head coach Lance Leipold and his program to focus on reloading ahead of next season. With the early signing day being last Wednesday, the Jayhawks saw former running back Kaydin Jones flip back to Oklahoma State, after having decommitted from the Cowboys when head coach Mike Gundy was let go earlier in the season after a 1-4 start.
ESPN’s Craig Haubert ranked the country’s top-75 recruiting classes, and the Jayhawks found themselves comfortably in 50th place.
“The Jayhawks have a few offensive linemen committed, led by 6-foot-5 Kansas native Kaden Snyder, who has an enticing combination of athleticism, pass-protection skills and upside if he can continue to fill out his frame. TE Jack Utz could also aid as a blocker as well as help move the chains as a receiving target with his blend of size, body control and good hands.”
With cult hero quarterback Jalon Daniels leaving the program, Haubert suggested this option could fill in.
“In-state three-star commit Jaylen Mason is an intriguing developmental option at QB.”
ESPN ranks Snyder as a three-star offensive tackle and the nation’s 48th overall tackle. Utz is rated by ESPN as the nation's 16th-best Tight End-H, and quarterback Jaylen Mason was tabbed as the nation’s 54th-best pocket passing quarterback.
247Sports ranks the Jayhawks 56th in the nation, and Rivals/On3 ranks them 53rd.
247Sports ranks Snyder as the nation’s 28th-best offensive tackle. Utz was given the 71st spot at tight end, and Mason as the 78th-ranked quarterback.
Since Leipold took over the Jayhawks ahead of the 2021 season, the best class he has been able to acquire was the 2024 class, which saw four-star edges Dakyus Brinkley and DJ Warner.
This year’s class has performed slightly above the mean since Leipold arrived; however, the decommitments of Jones and of top-100 recruit safety JJ Dunnigan have slightly tanked what could have been Leipold’s best class.