A Revamped Defensive Line
The Kansas Jayhawks enter the 2026 campaign with a defensive line that blends proven pass‑rushers, versatile interior players and a handful of high‑profile transfers, all looking to fill the void left by a season‑ending injury.
Leroy Harris III returns as the team’s most productive edge rusher, having posted 4.5 sacks last season, and coaches expect him to anchor the pass‑rush attack from the start.
Alongside him, former 4‑star recruit Dak Brinkley, now a redshirt sophomore, is slated to see a significant jump in production, building on a promising debut year.
Blake Herold, who logged five tackles for loss and two sacks in the previous campaign, is projected to be the top defensive tackle, providing interior pressure and run‑stopping stability.
Alex Bray and Marcus Calvin Harris will shoulder much of the run‑defense workload, clogging gaps and freeing up the edge for Harris and his teammates.
Transfers David Santiago and Jibriel Conde add depth on passing downs and inside the line, respectively, though Conde’s adjustment from Division II presents a learning curve.
Eamon Smalls, who accumulated 50 combined tackles at UAB, is expected to join Herold as the primary interior lineman, reinforcing the middle of the front.
Redshirt freshman Kevin Oatis, a recruit from Arkansas, could make an impact in a reserve role, offering additional depth as the rotation expands.
The loss of Tre'Von McAlpine to a torn ACL removes a key interior presence, forcing Herold, Smalls and Conde to assume larger responsibilities.
Coach Lance Leipold has voiced confidence that Brinkley will continue to develop, projecting notable progress from the sophomore as the defense looks to tighten its overall performance.