Back-to-back 5-7 seasons often sign that things need to change.
For a team like the Kansas Jayhawks, 10 wins in two years would have been considered a minor miracle a decade ago, and now it is falling below the standard.
Following Kansas’ 1-5 stretch to end the 2025 campaign, there was mass reshuffling around the program. Firstly, the Jayhawks brought back Andy Kotelnicki to call the offense as an associate head coach, and then out went 25 transfers and in came 31, spread all across the field to create what 247Sports considers the nation’s 53rd-best portal class.
While there are still several questions left unanswered around this team, the Jayhawks can find slight reprieve in that 11 of their own were selected to the Shrine Bowl 1,000 list.
KU players on the Shrine Bowl 1,000 list: pic.twitter.com/IgpfdJLt5Y
— Henry Greenstein (@HenryGreenstein) July 21, 2026
The Shrine Bowl 1,000 comprises the top players who are eligible for the NFL Draft, across all three divisions in the NCAA.
Each of Kansas’ nominees is bound to make an impact next season
Jalen Todd, Junior, Cornerback
Todd notched 44 tackles last season along with 2 sacks, 4 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble. Todd has played in 22 games thus far with 10 of his 11 starts coming last season at cornerback and HAWK.
Blake Herold, Redshirt Junior, Defensive Tackle
Herold has emerged as a stalwart on this chopped-and-changed roster. Last season, Herold finished with 43 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble. Herold is a do-it-all player.
Tre’Von McAlpine, Redshirt Senior, Defensive Tackle
McAlpine comes in at 305 pounds while standing at 6-foot-3. Last year, McAlpine notched 35 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery for a Tulane squad that made it to the College Football Playoff under former coach Jon Sumrall.
Tre Lathan, Redshirt Senior, Linebacker
Lathan has long been tipped as the leader of this defense. After an impressive first season with the program, Lathan entered the portal for two weeks before withdrawing. Lathan finished last season as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.
Bam Crouch, Redshirt Senior, Linebacker
Crouch brings in a strong veteran presence from Boston College as he comes to KU with 29 starts under his belt, 107 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 1 interception.
Amir Herring, Redshirt Junior, Guard
After playing just one game for the Michigan Wolverines and in three years overall, Herring made the jump to a starter last season, playing all 12 of Kansas’ games. While Herring is still a little raw, he is a welcome returner.
Calvin Clements, Redshirt Junior, Offensive Tackle
Clements brings 13 starts with him and with two seasons left of eligibility, the Jayhawks would do well to keep him around. Clements made 12 starts last season.
Dylan Edwards, Junior, Running Back
Edwards comes to KU as one of the most high-profile transfers the program has ever landed. He brings productivity from both a rushing and receiving standpoint. If he can keep healthy, he and Yasin Willis pack a powerful punch.
Corey Gordon, Redshirt Senior, Safety
The rangy Gordon played in all 13 games for the Louisville Cardinals last season, including 12 starts. Gordon finished the season with 53 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Gordon also played at Baylor, where over two seasons, he finished with 64 tackles. In 2024, Gordon snapped up three interceptions.
Cam Pickett, Redshirt Senior, Wide Receiver
Pickett will likely be fighting for his name to be at the top of next season’s depth chart. Last year, Pickett totaled 45 receptions, along with 476 yards and three touchdowns.
Nik McMillan, Redshirt Senior, Wide Receiver
McMillan could easily become the most productive transfer out of this class of 30; the former Buffalo Standout totaled 62 receptions for 981 yards and 3 touchdowns. McMillan finished as a member of the All-MAC First Team and ended the season with 7 100+ yard games.
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