2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 5-7

The hype surrounding the return of Jalon Daniels did not live up to expectations. Kansas went back to play of the old days with losses in five of the first six games of the season. The Jayhawks got hot late and won some big games. This includes three consecutive over ranked opponents — Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado.

OFFENSE: Jalon Daniels Must Return to Form

Kansas did not show explosiveness offensively that we were used to seeing from the unit with Jalon Daniels. This led to just five wins. If Daniels comes back healthy, what is the ceiling for the team?

Daniels, who is a former Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, struggled with turnovers last season along with injuries in recent years. He will return as one of the top dual-threats in the conference and will have a new receiving corps to work with.

The Jayhawks hit the portal hard to add new pass catchers. It resulted in Alabama transfer Emanuel Henderson, who is expected to be a new star within the offense. Bryson Canty will be the perfect complement on the other side. While Devin Neal is gone, Daniels poses a threat on the ground while Daniel Hinshaw steps into a larger role, along with Iowa transfer Leshon Williams.

The offensive line took a hit with losses. The offensive staff has a done a nice job up front and that should continue with Bryce Foster running the show at center. Calvin Clements returns on the left side as well.

DEFENSE: New-Look Bunch Must Improve at All Levels

The Kansas defense struggled against the pass last season. While the secondary must improve, the linebackers will also have to come together quickly.

Kansas landed Joseph Sipp Jr. in the transfer portal after two years at Bowling Green. Bangally Kamara and Trey Lathan are other new faces in the middle of the defense.

In the secondary, Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson are gone. Utah State transfer DJ Graham will step into a No. 1 corner role while Taylor Davis is among the top safety options.

Up front, Kansas will have to get to the quarterback. This might be the best part of the defense and it has to show up on game days. Dean Miller returns after leading the Jayhawks in tackles for loss last season.

2025 KANSAS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 23: vs. Fresno State
• Friday, Aug. 29: vs. Wagner
• Saturday, Sept. 6: at Missouri
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. West Virginia
• Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. Cincinnati
• Saturday, Oct. 4: at UCF
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Texas Tech
• Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Kansas State
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Oklahoma State
• Saturday, Nov. 22: at Iowa State
• Friday, Nov. 28: vs. Utah