Kansas football releases first depth chart of the 2024 season

As the 2024 season is set to begin this week for the Kansas football program, the team has revealed its first official depth chart – providing a glimpse at how competition has unfolded in a few key positions after fall camp.

The first noticeable thing that jumps out after viewing the depth chart, is the lack of “OR” that we have typically seen with a KU football depth chart under head coach Lance Leipold.

It’s a straight-forward, two-deep depth chart with a starter and backup listed at each spot.

Leipold joked with reporters at today’s press conference that he decided “to not list 75 guys … I might do it to you guys next week.”

On offense, the quarterback and skill position players are listed as you would expect with Jalon Daniels listed as the starter at quarterback, Devin Neal at running back, and the senior trio of Luke Grimm, Lawrence Arnold, and Quentin Skinner starting at wide receiver.

It was interesting to note that redshirt freshman Cole Ballard won the backup job at quarterback ahead of true freshman Isaiah Marshall who has reportedly been having a great camp. Ballard likely got the nod due to having more experience on the collegiate level, but don’t be surprised if those two swap at some point this season – Marshall appears to be the real deal.

Fan-favorite Jared Casey was named starting tight end ahead of fellow senior Trevor Kardell, however, both should see a lot of action this upcoming season as they look to replace the production lost from Mason Fairchild who is now in the NFL.

Texas A&M transfer Bryce Foster won the starting role at center over Division II Tiffin University transfer Shane Bumgardner, while Bryce Cabeldue and Logan Brown are listed as the starting left tackle and right tackle respectively after swapping spots during camp.

On defense, there were no surprises as to who would be listed in the secondary with seniors Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson earning the starting cornerback spots, while Marvin Grant and O.J. Burroughs were named starting safeties.

Listed as a backup to Dotson is one of only two true freshmen to make the initial depth chart, Jalen Todd. He was a highly coveted four-star recruit in this year’s class who enrolled early at KU and looks to be getting some early playing time this year.

The other freshman listed on the depth chart is defensive end DJ Warner. He is currently listed as the backup to redshirt-junior Dean Miller, but don’t be surprised if that changes as the season goes on.

Warner was KU’s top-rated recruit in program history and was turning heads at camp this offseason. Look for his role to increase as he gets more comfortable with the college game.

Captains for this year’s team are Daniels, Neal, Grimm, and linebacker Cornell Wheeler.

Fans will finally get a look at this year’s crop of Jayhawks when the team kicks off against Lindenwood on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT.