As the Kansas Football program has its eyes set on the 2026 campaign, there are still several question marks over this team that won’t be resolved until next season starts.
For one, the quarterback battle between Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall, and Chase Jenkins looks nowhere near complete. Bringing back former associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki to the same role looks great on paper, but you wonder if there will be any adjustment period thanks to his odd offensive schemes. And how much of an improvement can we expect from a KU defense that allowed 35+ points five different times last Fall?
But if there is one spot where things have almost never looked more assured, it is the running back room.
It is not just Dylan Edwards who will be a big-time contributor for the Jayhawks
While Kansas welcomed 31 players to the portal, none will come in with a bigger reputation than Edwards, who has put together 1,072 rushing yards and 15 all-purpose touchdowns, with an additional 449 coming from the air.
Yet former Syracuse running back Yasin Willis might just create one of the country’s most exciting one-two punches.
Willis entered the portal as a three-star running back with 688 yards and five touchdowns to his name, and a sophomore season with the ACC side that resulted in 558 yards and four touchdowns for a Syracuse side that finished the season with a 3-9 overall record.
In ESPN’s “Top 2026 newcomer for every Big 12 team” article, Billy Tucker pointed to Willis as a potential X-Factor.
“Willis provides the crucial physical, downhill running style the Jayhawks desperately need. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Willis is a true power back with a proven track record.”
“...Willis will lead the committee in short-yardage, goal-line and between-the-tackles situations. Willis will provide the consistent ground game the Jayhawks lacked, pushing the pile and breaking tackles to keep the offense ahead of the chains.”
With so much uncertainty revolving around Kansas' ability through the air, that pair can be a safe option.
Last season, the Jayhawks managed a decent 157.8 yards per game which ranked 60th in the nation.
As the spring practice continues to get underway, look for Willis’ name as one of the team’s best performers.
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