The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2026 football season on September 1, 2026, when they host Long Island at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, marking the team's first game action since November 2025 and sparking renewed fan excitement.
With quarterback Isaiah Marshall set to make his first collegiate start, the offense will be led by new starter Cole Ballard under the play‑calling guidance of Andy Kotelnicki, who returns to the sidelines for the first time since 2023, while fresh faces Nik McMillan and Dylan Edwards are slated for their debuts.
Expert Predictions
Three Kansas on SI analysts have projected a decisive victory for Kansas, with scores ranging from 42 to 52 points. Joshua Schulman forecasts a 52‑6 blowout, Dillon Davis predicts a 42‑17 win that could be tighter in the first half due to the new starters, and Nick Springer anticipates a 48‑10 triumph, underscoring the team's balanced offensive and defensive strengths.
The projection aligns with Kansas' reputation for a potent rushing attack that analysts say will open the floodgates early, while Long Island's recent offensive struggles against North Dakota expose defensive gaps that the Jayhawks' defense is poised to exploit.
Fans and analysts alike are optimistic that the combination of experienced coaching, fresh talent, and a high‑powered offense will deliver a convincing statement win as the program rebuilds momentum after a quiet period.