The Kansas Jayhawks are entering the 2026 season with a clear directive: lean on the talent that stayed put despite a whirlwind transfer portal landscape.
Returning Talent Takes Center Stage
Coach Lance Leipold has repeatedly emphasized that the team’s foundation rests on players who experienced the rigors of Big 12 competition last year, and the returning core provides both continuity and chemistry.
Carson Bruhn, a redshirt sophomore tight end, emerged as a reliable target with five receptions for 55 yards in 2025, and his size and blocking acumen position him to become an every‑down weapon in the offense.
At cornerback, Jalen Todd returns after posting 44 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in 2025, but he now faces heightened competition from transfer additions Roman Pearson and Elijah Cannon, pushing him to sharpen his play.
Defensive Front: Harris III’s Impact
Defensive end Leroy Harris III, the 2024 Freshman All‑American, led the Jayhawks with 4.5 sacks and 31 tackles last season, and his relentless pass‑rush ability makes him a cornerstone of the defense.
Together, Bruhn, Todd and Harris III embody a blend of experience and upside that could finally translate into the winning record the program has chased for years, turning offseason optimism into on‑field production.