The Kansas Jayhawks enter the 2026 season after a 5‑7 record in 2025, a year that saw them miss a bowl game and watch a wave of departures from graduation and the transfer portal reshape the roster.
Defensive line and secondary in flux
A depleted defensive line, once a cornerstone that ranked third in the Big 12 with 25 sacks in 2024, now faces a steep decline; the loss of Tulane transfer Tre'Von McAlpine to a season‑ending knee injury leaves a gaping hole, and the unit managed only 25 sacks last year.
Defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald is evaluating newcomers Roman Pearson from Ball State and former Mississippi State corner Elijah Cannon, while the secondary allowed 31 points or more on six occasions in 2025, many of those through the air.
The pass rush will lean on younger contributors such as Leroy Harris III and Dak Brinkley, but the overall front is shorthanded, compounding concerns in the defensive line and secondary.
Quarterback carousel
At quarterback, the competition between redshirt junior Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall has drawn early attention, but both are viewed as lacking the physical tools and decision‑making of departed starter Jalon Daniels.
Cole Ballard, a redshirt junior, is expected to inherit the starting role, yet his skill set is considered a step down from the dynamic play of Jalon Daniels, raising questions about the offense’s ability to sustain drives.
The run defense is further shorthanded, and the coaching staff is counting on depth pieces such as Dean Miller, Jalen Todd, Austin Alexander, Jahlil Hurley, Syeed Gibbs, Jaden Harris, Corey Gordon, Mason Ellis, Taylor Davis and others to provide stability.
If the Jayhawks hope to remain competitive in the Big 12, they will need these players to step up as the schedule brings matchups against traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Louisville and other conference foes.