This year’s Sunflower Showdown has the potential to carry more weight than usual if Kansas’ reported interest in Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards materializes.
According to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports and a report from the Topeka Capital-Journal, the Jayhawks are evaluating Edwards, who initially entered the transfer portal in early November.
The interest also speaks to how Kansas is approaching a backfield in transition.
Edwards, a native of Derby High School and former four-star recruit out of the Midwest, appeared in just four games for Kansas State last season largely due to injuries sustained after the Wildcats’ Week 0 loss to Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.
Edwards struggled to find consistency, recording just one 100-yard performance during the 2025–26 season in Week 5 against UCF.
Kansas’ pursuit of Edwards has the potential to make him the third backfield addition to the Jayhawks roster following Jalen Dupree from Colorado State and Yasin Willis out of Syracuse, something that signals a search for competition and depth rather than just a simple replacement.
Both Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams are out of the picture, meaning Kansas enters the offseason needing more than just production at the running back position. Adding a familiar Big 12 name with untapped upside could check several boxes, even if it comes with added scrutiny due to the jersey swap.
If Edwards were to land in Lawrence, he would become the first running back to play for both Kansas State and Kansas in consecutive seasons, adding yet another layer to the state’s most heated rivalry.
The Jayhawks have not beaten Kansas State in the Sunflower Showdown since 2008 and have gone winless in Manhattan against the Wildcats since 2006, extending a 17-year drought. Edwards’ addition could have the potential to flip a rivalry long defined by dominance from the Wildcats.
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