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Surprise Kansas football player make it onto national preseason watchlist

The Kansas football kicking game hasn't been a team strength for several years, but Laith Marjan may change that. He's on the Lou Groza Place-kicker Award watchlist.
ByJoel Wagler|
Kansas football kicker Laith Marjan (99) when playing for South Alabama
Kansas football kicker Laith Marjan (99) when playing for South Alabama | David Jensen/GettyImages

It’s been a while since the Kansas football team has had a solid, dependable kicker. Head coach Lance Leipold sought to remedy that by bringing in senior transfer Laith Marjan. 

Last season at South Alabama, Marjan was incredibly accurate, hitting on 42 of his 44 extra-point attempts, and completing 16 of his 17 field goal attempts. 

Last season, KU placekickers were successful on 44 of their 46 extra-point attempts, but made only 12 of 15 field goals. That was the best success rate Kansas kickers have enjoyed in several years. 

Kansas football kicker is considered one of the best in the country

Marjan is on the 2025 watchlist for the Lou Groza Place-kicker Award, which is awarded to the best place-kicker in college football each year. Former winners who are active in the NFL include Jake Elliot (Eagles), Tyler Bass (Bills), and Joey Slye (Patriots).

Marjan ranked first in the Sun Belt conference last season in field goal percentage (94.1percent) and was fifth in the conference in points (90). 

Leipold should have confidence that Marjan can make a big kick when needed, taking pressure off the offense. It will take some of the load off of Jalon Daniels and his offense, knowing they don’t have to score a touchdown every possession. 

Leipold continues to upgrade the roster, but not in the most obvious ways. A kicker like Marjan is an improvement over the kickers of the last few years. The only other kicker on the roster is freshman Dane Efird, so maybe the youngster will learn some tricks from a veteran like Marjan. 

Marjan is just one of several Jayhawks who are preseason watchlists for various awards. It is a statement as to the talent on this year's roster.

The Jayhawks start their season in just three weeks, on August 23rd at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium against Fresno State. It should be an exciting atmosphere for all fans.