Four Years, One Legacy: A KU Sportswriter Looks Ahead
A veteran KU sportswriter reflects on four years at The Kansas City Star, gratitude for fans, and predictions for the upcoming basketball and football seasons.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Cole Ballard across Football, Basketball.
A veteran KU sportswriter reflects on four years at The Kansas City Star, gratitude for fans, and predictions for the upcoming basketball and football seasons.
During Big 12 media days in Texas, linebacker Trey Lathan outlined the team's increased depth at linebacker, highlighted impactful transfers, and discussed the quarterback competition that will shape the 2026 campaign.
After back-to-back bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023, the Kansas Jayhawks slipped to 5-7 in each of the past two years. Head coach Lance Leipold acknowledges the need for improvement, especially on defense, while the team navigates early tests against Missouri and Arizona State and an unsettled quarterback race.

The latest Big 12 preseason football rankings reveal a competitive landscape, with Texas Tech leading the pack and several programs poised for breakthroughs.

The Big 12 enters the 2026 season with a clear hierarchy that is already generating buzz among analysts and fans alike.

Julian Lewis, Colorado's presumptive 2026 quarterback, climbs to No. 49 in The Athletic's rankings, positioning him as a star of tomorrow amid a reshaped Big 12.

The Athletic’s latest quarterback tiers place Colorado’s Julian Lewis at No. 49 overall, positioning him among inexperienced yet high‑potential signal‑callers. With Brennan Marion’s arrival, the Buffaloes expect a rapid rise, while Big 12 peers such as Drew Mestemaker and Noah Fifita set the benchmark.

The Big 12 boasts a talent‑laden quarterback room, with Heisman contenders, injury‑plagued veterans, and rising stars all vying for the top spot ahead of the 2025 season.

Yahoo’s fantasy football platform features an unusually deep quarterback pool, and this year’s rankings reveal the metrics that separate the elite.
Redshirt junior Calvin Clements discusses his pride in the Jayhawks, the upcoming London game, and the team's goals for the season.
Coach Lance Leipold acknowledges the absence of Jalon Daniels at Big 12 media days, recalling the quarterback’s pivotal role in recent bowl successes and the new battle for the starting spot.
With Jalon Daniels departing for professional play, Kansas coach Lance Leipold highlights the growth of Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall as the top contenders for the starting quarterback position.
After two consecutive 5‑7 seasons and no bowl appearances, the Kansas Jayhawks are looking to rebound. A 12th‑place preseason projection masks the potential impact of returning coordinators and a fierce quarterback competition.

Analyst Phil Steele’s latest projection places the Kansas Jayhawks tied for 12th in the Big 12, highlighting a demanding schedule that includes a London trip and five conference road games, while noting the departure of quarterback Jalon Daniels and modest bowl prospects.

The Jayhawks are preparing for a crucial 2026 campaign that could define their trajectory in the Big 12, with key personnel changes and a challenging early schedule.
With Big 12 media days approaching, the Jayhawks are tackling three pivotal storylines: the quarterback competition, the impact of Kotelnicki’s return, and a bid to end a two‑year bowl drought.

The upcoming clash between Kansas State and Kansas is more than just another chapter in the Sunflower Showdown; it is a test of momentum that could define the trajectory of both programs as they head into the 2026 season.
The Kansas Jayhawks are poised for a breakout season as former associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki rejoins the staff, bringing experience and continuity. Key offensive weapons — including running back Dylan Edwards and quarterback Cole Ballard — are expected to drive the attack, while wide receivers Cam Pickett and Nik McMillan add depth. The team will also be featured at the upcoming Big 12 media days in Frisco, Texas.
The Jayhawks are preparing for a pivotal season that could restore bowl eligibility and reshape their Big 12 outlook.

The latest EA Sports College Football 27 ratings place the Kansas Jayhawks at 77 overall, the lowest since the series returned, sparking discussion about the team's prospects under new leadership.

The latest EA Sports College Football 27 ratings place the Kansas Jayhawks at the foot of the Big 12, with a 77 overall rating that reflects a disappointing season, key player departures and questions surrounding head coach Lance Leipold’s future.
With the 2026 season opening at home against LIU, Kansas aims to rebound from missed bowl games and end a long‑standing losing streak, as coach Lance Leipold and staff evaluate a three‑man quarterback race.
EA Sports' upcoming College Football 27 features a surprisingly low national ranking for the Kansas Jayhawks, yet individual standout Nik McMillan emerges as the team's top-rated player.

Rob Ianello discusses the evolution of his role in roster management, influenced by the transfer portal and NIL deals, and how NFL practices shape his strategies at Kansas University.