Phil Steele, the veteran college football analyst, has just unveiled his 2026 preview magazine, a document that has become a ritual for fans eager to gauge their team’s prospects.
The 2026 Projection
Steele’s model places the Kansas Jayhawks tied for 12th in the Big 12, a position that reflects both the conference’s depth and the team’s recent struggles.
The forecasted schedule is notably demanding, featuring a transatlantic trip to London and five road battles within the Big 12, a slate that promises few easy victories.
Adding to the challenge, starting quarterback Jalon Daniels has moved on, leaving a void that redshirt junior Cole Ballard is expected to fill under center.
Defensively, linebacker Trey Lathan earned the only spot on Steele’s preseason All‑Big 12 second team, while wide receiver Nik McMillan and defensive end Leroy Harris III were listed on the fourth team.
Despite the bleak outlook, eight of the nine projection models still predict bowl eligibility for Kansas, a modest silver lining that the coaching staff hopes will translate into tangible wins.
Fans, however, are growing restless, demanding concrete results rather than endless “what‑if” scenarios as the new season approaches.
Looking Ahead
The coming months will test whether the Jayhawks can convert preseason expectations into on‑field performance, a question that will be answered on the field and in the standings.