Jayhawks Aim for a Breakout 2026 Season
The East-West Shrine Bowl’s annual watch list has become a barometer for NFL interest, and this year Kansas contributed eleven players to the 1,000‑player pool. The selections reflect a mixture of proven starters and promising transfers, signaling the program’s ambition under head coach Lance Leipold.
On the defensive side, linebacker Tre Lathan, defensive tackle Blake Herold and cornerback Jalen Todd headline the group. Lathan’s All‑Big 12 honorable‑mention nod from the previous year underscores his reliability, while Herold and Todd have emerged as consistent playmakers after solid 2025 campaigns.
The offensive side of the list features running back Dylan Edwards alongside linemen Amir Herring and Calvin Clements, as well as receivers Cam Pickett and Nik McMillan. McMillan arrives after a standout season at Buffalo that earned him first‑team All‑MAC honors, and Pickett brings a 45‑catch campaign from the previous year to Lawrence.
Transfer additions such as Tre'Von McAlpine, Bam Crouch and Corey Gordon further deepen the roster, giving the Jayhawks a blend of experience and upside. Their presence on the watch list highlights the coaching staff’s strategy of layering veteran talent with high‑upside newcomers.
Coach Lance Leipold sees the recognition as a stepping stone toward restoring postseason relevance. The Jayhawks open the 2026 schedule on August 29 against Fresno State and will later travel to London for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic against Missouri, adding a global showcase to their calendar.
Looking Ahead
With eleven names on the Shrine Bowl 1000 list, Kansas is positioning itself as a sleeper contender in the Big 12. The mix of returning starters, proven transfers and a coaching staff focused on development creates a narrative that could translate into more wins and, ultimately, a bowl invitation.