Kansas University football is stepping into the 2026 season with a clear objective: to convert the disappointment of recent near‑misses and bowl‑game losses into a genuine push for resurgence. Head coach Lance Leipold, who has overseen the program through a period of stagnation, believes that deeper depth and a more competitive mindset will finally translate into on‑field success.
A New Era Under Leipold
Leipold’s vision centers on a grueling nine‑game stretch against Big 12 rivals, beginning with a home clash against Utah and a rivalry game against Kansas State. The schedule also features a high‑profile London matchup against Arizona State, a game that was originally slated for the Union Jack Classic but now serves as a standalone test of the team’s resilience.
The quarterback position will be one of the most watched storylines. A competition between Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall is expected to define the offense, while transfers such as Nahzae Cox and Nik McMillan add playmaking ability to the receiving corps. On defense, standout talents like Blake Herold and Leroy Harris III anchor a unit that also welcomes new blood from the transfer portal, including defensive line addition David Santiago.
Depth will be tested across the board. The offensive line has been bolstered by offseason improvements, and the running back tandem of Yasin Willis and Dylan Edwards — who is recovering from an injury sustained at Kansas State — offers contrasting styles that could prove pivotal in tight games. Tight ends Carson Bruhn and Leyton Cure, along with transfers Carter Moses and Jailen Butler, provide additional versatility.
Challenges Off the Field
Stadium capacity will be reduced this season due to ongoing renovations, meaning the team will miss the opportunity to host the Union Jack Classic in London. Nevertheless, the Jayhawks remain focused on turning those constraints into a rallying point, using the limited home environment to sharpen their road-game mentality.
The broader context includes a revamped coaching staff, with Andy Kotelnicki returning after two years at Penn State, bringing fresh ideas to the offensive scheme. The program’s recent 5‑7 record in 2025, which included a three‑game losing streak after a five‑win surge in November, underscores both the urgency and the potential for a turnaround.