Kansas football: Former Jayhawks quarterback leads Coastal Carolina to bowl win

Although the Kansas football quarterback room is set for years to come with Jalon Daniels, Isaiah Marshall, and Cole Ballard in the mix, fans were disappointed to hear that Ethan Vasko would enter the transfer portal this offseason. The ex-Jayhawk was once believed to be Daniels' successor once he finished at KU. However, Vasko has found himself a home in Conway, South Carolina.

When 3-time Sun Belt Player of the Year Grayson McCall suffered a serious head injury in October, the Chanticleers had to alternate between Jarrett Guest and Vasko under center. The latter was a more appealing option due to his dual-threat capability, and he got the start last night in the EasyPost Hawaiʻi Bowl.

In the matchup against San Jose State, he completed 20-of-33 pass attempts for 199 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 50 rushing yards on 17 carries, leading CCU to a 24-14 victory. Following the win, he was named Hawai’i Bowl MVP for his outstanding performance.

He will finish the season with 779 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. The Virginia native only threw five passes in a Jayhawk uniform, making his collegiate debut against Texas Tech in 2022. Kansas maintained his redshirt status, meaning Vasko has three years of eligibility remaining now that the year has come to a close.

McCall entered the transfer portal last month, so there is a chance that the former Jayhawk enters 2024 as the team's full-time starting quarterback. He can carve out a terrific career in NCAA football if he keeps on this path.

Although Kansas football fans would have loved to see him stick around in Lawrence, he has a very bright future with the Chanticleers and we will be hearing his name for a long time. We wish him the best at his new school and know he will continue to be great.