There is no question that next season’s defense will, in large part, rely on linebacker Tre Lathan.
Last season, Lathan earned an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention nomination with a season that saw him go for 86 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one interception. While Kasnas struggled to keep opposing offenses quiet, his play shone through the Jayhawks’ 5-7 season.
However, for Lathan, not only does the 2026 campaign represent the last of his collegiate career, but it also represents his biggest as a leader. Something he revealed at Big 12 Media Days as novel to him.
“It's just something that I must do”
Lathan will openly admit that he isn’t the most natural leader.
“A lot of guys, they look up to me. They see what I've done out there on the field, and they come up to me and ask questions,” opened the West Virginia Transfer.
“I wasn't really like an outspoken guy, but when guys come to me and this being my last season and an important season for the University of Kansas, it's just something that I must do.”
Lathan is one of 19 redshirt seniors on Lance Leipold’s roster heading into year six. However, only the likes of him, Cam Pickett (wideout), Syeed Gibbs (cornerback), Mason Ellis (safety) and Leyton Cure (tight end) are entering this season with valuable minutes at KU in the past.
Lathan flirted with the NCAA Transfer Portal following last year’s desolate campaign; however, a few days later he withdrew, something he was also plenty open about.
*You know, it's just a process,” responded Lathan when asked about the steps he is taking to become a better leader “You know, handling it like a pro, coming in early, leaving late, you know, being a standard of the program. Working hard, showing guys, not giving them, inches to come up short, because we can't do that.”
Lathan will be marshalling a crew of 30 transfers, including 15 on the defensive end, that includes four transfer linebackers to join alongside him. Lathan was recently included on Phil Steele’s All-Big 12 Preseason Second Team
What’s next for the star linebacker?
The 2026 campaign marks an interesting one for Lathan and the program. On a personal level, if Lathan impresses, then there is every chance he could find himself on an NFL roster by this time next season. The 2026 NFL Draft saw offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr. and wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. be selected.
Across the team, if Leipold and Co. are able to reel in six wins, it would make for a great stretch of three bowl games in six years under the former Buffalo head coach; however, if the Jayhawks fail to hit those six wins, then the mood slightly flattens across David Booth Kansas Memorial.
The Jayhawks are set to open play on an all-important 2026 season on September 4th against LIU, a slight change from their week zero start from a year prior, when they faced off against Fresno State.
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