There is no question that Kasnas’ defense is largely improved from last season.
Yes, there are still mistakes; look at Austin Alexander’s busted coverage against Missouri and Austin Simmons as proof of that, but don’t look at the 31 points on average KU has given up per game as something to throw in their face when five of the touchdowns Kansas has given up this season have started on their own side of the field.
And despite a disappointing 24-17 loss to Arizona State this past weekend, the defense can hold their head up high.
The Jayhawks’ defense excelled against a high-powered offense
Heading into Saturday, Arizona State notched totals of 70 and 20 points against Morgan State and Texas A&M. Even if we ignore everything about the Morgan State game and look solely at the Aggies, Kentucky transfer quarterback Cutter Bolely tallied 254 yards going 21/34 in the air, throwing for 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
Star wideout Reed Harris notched 189 yards across 9 receptions and both of Boley’s passing scores for an offense that went for 369 total yards inside a hostile Kyle Field.
Flip it forward a week, and Boley went for 95 yards on 11/23 passing and the offense as a whole put together just 228 yards. Kenny Dillingham’s side also put together 23.5% on third downs.
“We performed really well. We held them down. You know, they were one of the top teams in the league and we went out there, we executed. That's pretty much all you could ask for,” opened Kansas linebacker Trey Lathan postgame.
Barring the last drive where the Sun Devils needed just 10 yards to ice the game and push Kansas to 1-2, 10 of Arizona State’s 13 drives ended with either punts or turnovers on downs.
Of the three touchdowns Kansas conceded, the first came with the Jayhawks pinned up against the 25-yard line thanks to a botched punt towards the end of the first half.
The second was a kickoff touchdown to open the second half.
The final was thanks to a drive that started at the Kansas two-yard line after a fumble recovery was taken back 77 yards.
“We're a really good defense. You know, we played three really strong games. And, you know, sometimes we give up plays, but for most of the time, we're a really good defense. We just gotta just keep doing our 1/11.”
So far this season, Lathan has put together 19 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.
While it may feel unrealistic to expect this level of consistency from this defense, as teams will eventually find ways to break them down, there is no doubt that Kansas’ defense has by far been the best facet of what has been a relatively uninspiring season thus far.
Up next for the Jayhawks is their only bye week of the 2026 season before KU ends the season with nine straight games, starting with Middle Tennessee.
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