Kansas Football Spring Preview: The New Era Begins
From a wide-open quarterback battle to the return of Andy Kotelnicki, KCSN breaks down the biggest hurdles for the Jayhawks heading into the 2026 season.
For the first time in the Lance Leipold era, the Jayhawks enter spring ball with a vacancy at the most important position on the field. With the departure of long-time staples Jaylen Daniels and Jason Bean, the quarterback room is officially an open competition.
While national analysts have been quick to rank the Jayhawks at the bottom of the Big 12 due to a lack of experience, Flaherty and Springer argue that the talent is there—it just needs to be unlocked by the returning Andy Kotelnicki.
Beyond the signal-callers, the crew highlights a defense that is quietly becoming deeper and more athletic. With second-year defensive coordinator DK McDonald at the helm and potential All-Big 12 candidates like linebacker Trey Wilson and defensive end Leroy Harris, the Jayhawks are aiming for a Top 40 defensive finish.
Combine that with the arrival of explosive playmaker Dylan Edwards, and the Jayhawks have the ingredients for a potent 2026 campaign—provided the offensive line can replace three key starters.
🚀 Top Three Takeaways
The Three-Headed QB Race: The battle between Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall, and Rice transfer Chase Jenkins is truly open. Expect this competition to bleed into fall camp, as no single player has yet separated himself by a wide enough margin to secure the Week 1 start.
The “Dylan Edwards” X-Factor: The former K-State and Colorado back brings a sub-4.4 speed that Kansas hasn’t seen under Leipold. Kotelnicki is expected to use Edwards as a “chess piece,” utilizing him in wheel routes and edge options to create home-run plays.
Defensive Continuity: Most of the defensive “lumps” taken last year were due to a young secondary. With another year in the weight room and the system, players like Jalen Todd and Austin Alexander are expected to transform the Jayhawks into a more “gap-sound” and physical unit.