Kansas’ defensive line took a big hit this offseason, as it was announced that Tulane transfer Tre’Von McAlpine would miss the entire season. All of a sudden, loads of pressure were immediately heaped on defensive tackles Eamon Smalls and Blake Herold.
The two will now play a key part in being responsible for what Kansas fans hope is a much-improved rushing defense, as last season, KU gave up an astounding 184.1 rushing yards per game last season, bad enough to be ranked 105th-worst in the nation.
For Herold, he is prepared for something like this. Earlier this month, during Lance Leipold’s first edition of Hawk Talk, Herold and offensive lineman Calvin Clements made an appearance. During his cameo, Herold heaped praise on two former Kansas defensive linemen who helped Herold transition to the defense coming out of high school.
“I always played linebacker and tight end in high school, so D-line was new to me when I first got here, so kind of learning, learning those roads from those older guys, like Tommy [Dunn Jr.] and D.J. [Withers], kind of learning the ropes to play D-line, and then also just being gritty in the trenches. It was definitely a big transition for me, but I'm super happy with where I'm at.”
Dunn and Withers clearly had an immeasurable impact on Herold
Withers played in 50 games for the Jayhawks over his career. During his time with KU, the former 3-star prospect tallied 53 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. While Withers’ two biggest seasons came in 2024 and 2025, he also played a role in Kansas’ triumphant 2022 and 2023 campaigns, where the Jayhawks made it to back-to-back bowl games.
Dunn spent one less year with the team than Withers, but he left KU in 2025 with 64 total tackles to his name, including 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, to go along nicely with 2 forced fumbles. Like Withers, Dunn was a consensus 3-star recruit who helped anchor Kansas’ defensive line in the 2023 season, when the Jayhawks went 9-4.
Herold is now looking to become the face of the line
Through two seasons with the Jayhawks, Herold has played in 24 games, going for 63 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.
Last season, Herold totaled 43 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. Herold was a former 3-star recruit coming out as the nation’s 1,803rd-best prospect; however, he received little attention from FBS schools, with the Jayhawks being the only one to offer him a scholarship spot.
While Herold will be missing out on McAlpine to help ramp up the Jayhawks' rushing defense, on the edge spots, KU will be stocked with talent, including Leroy Harris III and Alex Bray. The pair will be backed up by Michigan State transfer David Santiago and former 4-star Dak Brinkley.
Herold and Co. will look to start their season right when Kansas takes on FCS side LIU on September 4.
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