The Kansas Jayhawks will open their 2025 campaign on September 5 against Long Island University, a matchup that promises to test the newly forged leadership on the defensive side of the ball.
A New Era of Defense
Leroy Harris III, entering his junior year, will anchor the line with his knack for disrupting opposing offenses. He recorded 4.5 sacks last season and now aims to translate that playmaking ability into consistent pressure on the quarterback.
Beside him, linebacker Trey Lathan brings a different kind of impact. As a redshirt senior, he topped the team with 86 tackles in the previous campaign and has made it his mission to lift the younger players around him, insisting that growth happens both on the field and in the locker room.
Their combined approach reflects a broader shift for the Jayhawks, who are counting on a blend of experience and mentorship to steady a defense that is still finding its footing. By modeling preparation, accountability and relentless effort, Harris and Lathan hope to set a standard that the entire unit can follow.