We aren’t even four full weeks into the 2026 season and the Kansas Jayhawks have seen several members go down with injuries across games against LIU, Missouri and Arizona State, leading up to this week’s bye week.
While most injuries have been relatively manageable, redshirt freshman walk-on tight end Conlee Hovey announced his medical retirement last night, per Henry Greenstein.
KU sophomore walk-on tight end Conlee Hovey announced that he will medically retire. pic.twitter.com/FaFFpIE1sK
— Henry Greenstein (@HenryGreenstein) September 26, 2026
Coming out of Louisburg High School, Hovey was ranked as Kansas’ third-best tight end, holding FCS offers from South Dakota State, South Dakota, Illinois State, and an FBS offer from Arkansas State and interest from Kansas State and the Jayhawks, before ultimately choosing the walk-on path.
“I have made the hardest decision of my life and that is to medically retire from football. I never imagined that I would go through 2 knee surgeries and continuous lingering issues in my first years of college. I wish I could keep playing but I am physically unable to perform at the level I need to,” opened up Hovey in his post on Instagram.
“Although my journey has not been what I had planned for l have met lifetime friends and endless memories. Football has taught me countless life lessons and I am forever grateful for what this game has brought me. I knew one day playing this game had to come to an end I just didn't expect it so soon.”
“To KU football thank you for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Thank you to everyone who has been apart of my athletic journey I would not have made it this far without all of you. I can't wait to still be involved in football anyway I can whether that's coaching or teaching my future children the game. Thank you to everyone once again and especially to football,” finished Hovey.
Kansas tight end room is continuing to see injuries stack
Kansas’ two-deep in that spot saw Carson Bruhn and Jalien Butler take the top two places. Bruhn has already been banged up and missed the Union Jack Classic, with Butler playing in all three matchups.
Unfortunately for the Jayhawks, an injury-laden tight end room has become the norm over the past two seasons. Last year it was star tight end DeShawn Hanika who had a stellar start to the season go down before Boden Groen stepped in and excelled. Now, with both Bruhn recently getting injured and Hovey medically retiring, there is once again pressure for tight end coach Matt Lubick to get it right.
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