Tag: Jayhawks

Kansas, Iowa State pursue win after coming off bye week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas and Iowa State both are coming off bye weeks ahead of their Big 12 Conference matchup Saturday afternoon in Ames, Iowa.

With two weeks left in the regular season, the Cyclones (6-4, 3-4) are bowl eligible but the Jayhawks (5-5, 3-4) need one more win to achieve the feat.

In their most recent game, the Jayhawks lost 24-20 at Arizona on Nov. 8. The Cyclones picked up a 20-17 win at TCU on the same day, overcoming an 11-point deficit in the final 10 minutes.

When Kansas returned to practice this week, it tightened its red-zone and third-down offense.

“It’ll be critical for us to be better in those situations down the stretch,” said Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold. “We schedule them at the end of our practice to try and simulate game situations.”

In the loss to the Wildcats, senior quarterback Jalon Daniels completed 15 of 29 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown. He also was Kansas’ leading rusher with 74 yards and a TD on 14 carries.

Because he’s been such an efficient passer and runner — Daniels has completed 65.1% of his throws for 2,190 yards and 21 touchdowns and has rushed for 345 yards and three TDs — Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said the Cyclones will have to account for all of his play-making skills.

“What he’s done an incredible job of in his career is to just get better and better and better,” Campbell said. “He can make you pay horizontally, so you have to be gap-sound. He’s a player that can make you pay in a heartbeat.”

Campbell announced this week that tight end Gable Burkle (leg injury), the team’s No. 4 pass-catcher with 26 receptions, is scheduled for surgery and will miss the rest of the season. But the coach added a dose of optimism when he said redshirt senior linebacker Caleb Bacon will return to the lineup. Bacon’s 55 tackles rank third on the Cyclones and his 6.5 tackles for loss are second.

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Kansas favored to snap 16-year losing streak vs. Kansas State

Posted on | by Field Level Media

For the past 16 seasons, Kansas State and Kansas have squared off on the gridiron with the exact same result — a Kansas State victory. But for the first time in recent memory, Kansas is favored in the “Sunflower Showdown,” which the Jayhawks will host on Saturday.

Kansas State (3-4, 2-2 Big 12) comes into the contest off a bye, but there’s no advantage because Kansas (4-3, 2-2) is in the same situation.

Kansas State enjoyed maybe its best game of the season two weekends ago as the Wildcats easily handled TCU. The Wildcats used three Avery Johnson touchdown passes and two defensive scores to defeat the Horned Frogs, 41-28. The Wildcats scored 28 straight points in the middle quarters and never saw their lead dip below 13 the rest of the game.

But just like coaches like to say “don’t let a team beat you twice,” referring to allowing disappointment to affect the next game, Kansas State coach Chris Klieman knows his squad can’t rest on the laurels of their last victory — or the 16-game winning streak against their archrival.

“They’re really talented,” Klieman said. “As I’ve watched them, it really starts with (Jalon) Daniels. I’ve been really impressed with him for a number of years now. I’ve been impressed with how he plays. He’s the leader of the group. The thing that impressed me the most is that he stayed in the fight.”

Daniels leads a balanced Kansas offense. The Jayhawks are averaging 263.3 yards per game through the air and 155 yards per game on the ground.

Kansas ran into a buzzsaw two weekends ago when the Jayhawks suffered a 42-17 loss to No. 9 Texas Tech as the Red Raiders scored the final 21 points of the game. Daniels finished 27 of 33 for 255 yards and two touchdowns.

Head coach Lance Leipold knows his players will be ready for Saturday.

“Guys know if it’s a rival game and why,” he said. “Whether they got here six months ago or six years ago, they know that. If guys get extra fired up for those games, does it mean they’re not fired up for other games? You have a routine, and you should be playing at your fullest for each and every snap, regardless of who you’re playing against.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 4, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) throws a pass during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Kansas uses strong second half to down UCF

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Leshon Williams rushed for three touchdowns and Kansas used a dominant second half to defeat UCF 27-20 on Saturday night in Orlando, Fla.

The Jayhawks, who outscored the Knights 13-0 in the second half with all of their points in the third quarter, had a big fourth-down stop in the final two minutes to preserve the victory.

Jalon Daniels was 18 of 26 for 235 yards for Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12).

Tayven Jackson was 14-of-23 passing for 97 yards before leaving the game with an injury in the third quarter for UCF (3-2, 0-2).

In Kansas’ two losses (at Missouri and vs. Cincinnati), the Jayhawks allowed their opponents to convert 7 of 8 on fourth down. The Knights converted their first two fourth-down attempts on Saturday before backup quarterback Cam Fancher (8 of 14, 79 yards in the game) was stopped near the goal line with 1:47 left.

Trailing by six points at halftime, Kansas trimmed the deficit to 20-17 midway through the third quarter on Laith Marjan’s 33-yard field goal. After the Jayhawks’ defense forced a second straight UCF three-and-out, Marjan tied the score with a 41-yard field goal.

On UCF’s next possession, Jackson was sacked by Jalen Dye, causing a fumble. The ball was picked up by KU’s Trey Lathan at the 7-yard line and returned to the 2-yard line. On the next play, Williams scored his third touchdown to give Kansas the lead.

Kansas outgained UCF 131 yards to minus-1 in the third quarter.

After the teams traded punts, UCF went on a 14-play, 53-yard drive but failed on three plays inside the 2-yard line, including fourth down. The Knights’ final drive ended deep in Kansas territory.

UCF grabbed an early lead on a 29-yard touchdown run up the middle by Myles Montgomery on the Knights’ opening drive.

Montgomery then put the Knights up 14-0 with a 3-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter. After forcing a turnover on downs, the Knights went 60 yards on eight plays.

Williams got Kansas on the board with a 2-yard touchdown run on Kansas’ next possession.

After Noe Ruelas’ 38-yard field goal put UCF up 17-7, Williams’ second short run pulled the Jayhawks to within 17-14. Ruelas hit another 38-yard field goal just before halftime.

–Field Level Media

The new scoreboard is lit up during Kansas football teams first practice inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Aug. 1, 2025.

Billionaire alum donating $300M to Kansas athletics

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Kansas athletics received a $300 million gift from billionaire alumnus David Booth on Wednesday, the largest donation in school history.

“David’s unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future,” Jayhawks athletic director Travis Goff said.

“… We’re profoundly grateful for David’s leadership and extraordinary impact on generations of student-athletes and fans. There is no more generous and impactful Jayhawk, and we are so fortunate to call him a friend and mentor.”

Kansas is expected to put $75 million toward the next phase of renovations at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and additional construction in the surrounding area, known as the Gateway District. The project includes a hotel, retail and restaurant spaces, student housing, parking and an outdoor event plaza.

Booth, a graduate of Lawrence High School and KU, is an investor and the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors and has a net worth of $2.9 billion, according to Forbes. The school named the stadium after him in 2018.

“One of life’s greatest privileges is being able to give back to the people and places that gave so much to you,” Booth said in a news release. “KU and Lawrence are a big part of my story, and it means a lot to support the community that invested in me. Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time. Each gift compounds, creating opportunities not just for today, but for years to come. This is really about the future we’re building.”

The remaining $225 million will be allocated for athletic department expenses.

The Jayhawks’ football program played in the Kansas City area last season during stadium renovations.

Kansas opens the season at home against Fresno State on Aug. 23.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) splits the defense for additional yardage during the 1st quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

Devin Neal (4 TDs), Kansas set mark with upset of No. 16 Colorado

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Devin Neal scored four touchdowns as Kansas upset No. 16 Colorado 37-21 Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Kansas (5-6, 4-4 Big 12) became the first team in college football history with a losing record to win three straight games against ranked opponents. The Jayhawks’ bowl chances seemed all but eliminated after they lost at then-No. 16 Kansas State on Oct. 26 and fell to 2-6. But if they win at Baylor next Saturday, they’ll be bowl-eligible.

Neal had three rushing touchdowns while gaining 207 yards. He also caught four passes for 80 yards and a score. Jalon Daniels was 14-of-21 passing for 189 yards and a TD and rushed for 72 yards on six carries.

Shedeur Sanders was 23-of-29 passing for 266 yards and three touchdowns for the Buffaloes (8-3, 6-2), who rushed for only 42 yards. Heisman Trophy favorite Travis Hunter had eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Trailing by nine at the half, Colorado scored on its first second-half possession when Sanders found Hunter for a 26-yard touchdown. But Neal’s third TD extended Kansas’ lead to 30-21 midway through the third. Neal then punched it in from the 2-yard line for a 37-21 Jayhawks advantage with less than 12 minutes to play.

Colorado got deep in Kansas territory with 6:22 left but turned it over on downs.

Kansas received the opening kickoff and went 73 yards on six plays to take a 7-0 lead. Daniels hit Neal on a short screen to the left side and Neal went 51 almost untouched for the score.

After forcing a Colorado three-and-out, Kansas drove deep into Buffaloes territory. The drive stalled and the Jayhawks settled for a 24-yard Tabor Allen field goal.

The Jayhawks then stopped Colorado on a fourth-and-2 just past midfield. On the ensuing drive, Kansas went 61 yards in eight plays, capped by Neal’s 9-yard touchdown run.

The Buffaloes finally got on the board as Sanders found Hunter on a wide-receiver screen and Hunter went 51 yards for the score with 7:18 left before intermission.

Neal’s 47-yard run set up the Jayhawks at Colorado’s 8-yard line, but the Jayhawks had to settle for another Allen field goal.

Sanders found Drelon Miller on a 19-yard touchdown and Allen hit a 25-yard field goal inside the final two minutes of the second quarter.

Kansas led 23-14 at the break.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Jereme Robinson (90) tries to block the pass from TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Josh Hoover, big plays push TCU past Kansas

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Josh Hoover threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns as TCU picked up its first Big 12 win of the season 38-27 against Kansas Saturday afternoon in Kansas City, Mo.

The Horned Frogs playmakers were explosive as JP Richardson had an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown, Jack Bech had 10 receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns and Eric McAlister had four catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Surrounded by red Kansas jerseys, Richardson broke free and cut back for the punt return touchdown that gave the Horned Frogs a lead they would not relinquish with 1:46 left in the third quarter.

Daniel Hishaw Jr. had 85 rushing yards and a touchdown and Devin Neal had 70 rushing yards and a touchdown for Kansas (1-4, 0-2 Big 12). Jalon Daniels was 15-for-34 for 179 passing yards with a passing touchdown and an interception.

The Kansas defense notched the first of three TCU (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) turnovers when Cobee Bryant forced a Cam Cook fumble that was recovered by Dylan Wudke on the game’s first possession.

Four plays later, Daniels connected with Luke Grimm who stood on his tiptoes to stay in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Kansas lead.

TCU needed just five plays to cover 92 yards as Hoover hit Bech for a 35-yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

The Jayhawks didn’t complete a pass on their next scoring drive, but Neal’s 1-yard touchdown run gave Kansas a 14-7 lead.

A 3-yard touchdown run by Cook tied the game 14-14 as the teams traded long scoring drives.

After a Tabor Allen field goal, Bech caught his second touchdown from seven yards while sandwiched between two Kansas defenders and TCU took a 21-17 lead into halftime.

On their first drive of the second half, the Jayhawks took a 24-21 lead on an 8-yard touchdown run by Hishaw before Richardson’s electric return made it 28-24.

A 41-yard field goal by Tabor Allen cut the TCU lead to 28-27 at 12:07 in the fourth quarter.

But McCalister hauled in a Hoover pass at the 50-yard line and broke three tackles on his way to a 59-yard touchdown and a 35-27 TCU lead. Kyle Lemmermann drilled a 29-yard field goal for TCU that provided a two-score lead and the final margin.

–Field Level Media

Sep 13, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold reacts after a play during the second half against the UNLV Rebels at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Coming off tough losses, Kansas and West Virginia square off in Morgantown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas and West Virginia limp into their Big 12 opener after letting late leads get away last weekend.

That adds importance to Saturday’s contest in Morgantown, W.Va., when the Jayhawks (1-2) and Mountaineers (1-2) each seek a rebound victory.

“This will be a very good test for us in a lot of different ways,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said Monday. “And they’re a team that has been close and feels they need to get a win, and so do we, so it should be a lot of excitement in Morgantown.”

Kansas is coming off a 23-20 loss to UNLV, a game that saw the Rebels drive 75 yards on 18 plays over 9:22. UNLV capped the drive by scoring on a fourth-and-goal run from the 1-yard line with 1:51 left.

The Mountaineers can relate. West Virginia moved ahead by 10 points with under five minutes remaining before host Pitt rallied on touchdown drives of 75 and 77 yards to post a 38-34 victory in the Backyard Brawl. The Panthers’ winning score came with 32 seconds remaining.

“When you lose and you lose a rivalry game that you were ahead in the final minutes, there’s going to be negativity,” West Virginia coach Neal Brown said Monday. “You have to process it, own your own mistakes and go about playing better. I’m not going to allow them to be miserable or hang their heads. We’re going to get better.”

Mountaineers quarterback Garrett Greene threw his first two interceptions of the season. He has passed for 607 yards and five touchdowns.

Defensive end T.J. Jackson is off to a strong start with seven tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks.

Brown said those long scoring drives the defense allowed late in the Pitt game will prompt changes.

“We can’t continue to reward guys who aren’t playing well by continuing to play them,” Brown said. “It is a business.”

Kansas star running back Devin Neal (333 yards) has topped 100 yards in all three games while averaging 7.4 yards per carry. His 15 career 100-yard outings tie James Sims (2010-13) for second-most in Jayhawks history behind Tony Sands (17 from 1988-91).

Quarterback Jalon Daniels (498 yards, three touchdowns) has thrown five interceptions over the past two games. He has six overall to go with one lost fumble.

Leipold is remaining supportive of Daniels.

“Jalon has been outstanding with attitude, coachability and all those things,” Leipold said. “There’s some good things out there. There are moments.”

West Virginia holds the all-time series 10-2.

–Field Level Media

Sep 13, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) runs for a touchdown against UNLV Rebels linebacker Mani Powell (16) during the first half at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

UNLV edges Kansas, moves to 3-0 for first time in 40 years

Posted on | by Field Level Media

UNLV’s Kylin James plowed in from 1 yard out on the first play after the two-minute timeout in the fourth quarter, giving the visiting Rebels their first lead of the game in a 23-20 victory over Kansas on Friday night at Kansas City.

UNLV (3-0) won despite quarterback Matthew Sluka posting 86 passing yards, though he ran for 113. The Rebels have won their first three games for the first time since 1984.

Quarterback Jalon Daniels ran for two touchdowns and threw for 153 yards and Devin Neal rushed for 123 yards for the Jayhawks (1-2).

UNLV’s winning drive was a journey, lasting 14 plays and 9 1/2 minutes of game time.

The Rebels converted a 4th-and-1 from the Kansas 2-yard line but were penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play, setting up a 1st-and-10 on the Jayhawks’ 16. Facing a 3rd-and-12, Sluka scrambled for 11 yards before James punched in the winning score on fourth down.

The possession also included Sluka’s fumble that was touched by multiple Kansas players, but ended up back with UNLV.

The Jayhawks couldn’t shake away from the Rebels despite leading most of the game. A 13-play drive that bridged the third and fourth quarters ended with Tabor Allen’s 41-yard field goal that gave Kansas a 20-16 edge with 11:22 remaining.

The Jayhawks scored on their first three possessions for a 17-6 lead, but UNLV struck on the final play before halftime when Sluka connected with Jai’Den Thomas for a 27-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-13.

Daniels ran for an 11-yard score to cap Kansas’ first possession, which covered 81 yards and lasted 12 plays.

In the second quarter, the Jayhawks finished a 94-yard march with Daniels running in from 33 yards out for a 14-3 lead.

UNLV received first-half field goals from 38 and 27 yards from Caden Chittenden. He missed from 51 yards away late in the half after Sluka’s 46-yard run set up a scoring chance.

Chittenden added a 23-yard kick in the third quarter to pull the Rebels within 17-16.

–Field Level Media

Aug 29, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) throws a pass during the first half against the Lindenwood Lions at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

QB Jalon Daniels leads No. 19 Kansas against Illinois

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Last year, Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels got to play just three games before he suffered what developed into a season-ending back injury.

Illinois was one of the unfortunate three foes to face him.

Daniels threw for two touchdowns in the first quarter last Sept. 8 – and wound up 21 of 29 for 277 yards – as the Jayhawks rolled to a 34-7 lead that wound up as a 34-23 non-conference win. No. 19 Kansas (1-0) visits Illinois (1-0) for a rematch Saturday night at Champaign, Ill., with a healthy Daniels at the controls.

“People are talking about them being a (BCS) playoff team – and (I) could definitely see that before they even played a snap this year,” said Illinois coach Bret Bielema. “I think their football team and program really channels through their quarterback. When he has been able to be in the lineup, they obviously have a record that is pretty special.”

Since head coach Lance Leipold arrived at Kansas prior to the 2022 season, the Jayhawks have produced a 9-4 record when Daniels starts – but only 7-7 when he has been too hurt to play.

To preserve the fifth-year junior’s health, there was speculation Daniels would sit out last week’s opener against Lindenwood. Instead, he threw 15 times, completing nine passes, for 148 yards and a score. He also threw an interception (but did not carry the ball) before taking a seat in the Jayhawks’ 48-3 victory last Thursday.

The danger for Illinois is focusing too heavily on Daniels. In last year’s game, running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. combined for 218 yards and two touchdowns in just 22 rushes.

Both guys are back and Neal (3,189 yards, 35 TDs) remains on pace to break June Henley’s school records for career rushing yards (3,841) and touchdowns (41). Hishaw, who owns 16 career touchdowns, could start at most schools. Leipold suggested earlier this week that Kansas’ rushing game, which features seniors at left tackle (Bryce Cabeldue/39 career starts) and left guard (Michael Ford/32 starts), will be crucial to the Jayhawks’ efforts to sweep the home-and-home series.

“On the road, to give yourself normal down and distance and try to keep the crowd out of it (is huge),” Leipold said. “When you stay in those regular-type situations, you can pretty much dial up anything – run or pass.”

Coincidentally, Illinois opened its 2024 season just like Kansas – with a 45-point win over a Football Championship Subdivision foe on Aug. 29.

Another coincidence that developed during the Illini’s 45-0 victory over Eastern Illinois? They believe they have multiple threats at running back in sophomores Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin to take some pressure off junior quarterback Luke Altmyer.

The 245-pound Feagin earned more opportunities last year (95 carries and nine receptions compared to 16 carries and two catches), but Laughery started Thursday’s win over EIU and used his sprinter’s speed to produce 79 yards in 10 carries. Feagin entered later and finished with 16 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown.

“Aidan brings a skill set that’s kind of unique to that room,” Bielema said. “Kaden is the typical ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get,” but I do think he has an exceptional burst.”

Leipold, whose defense posted six sacks in last year’s game, noticed a difference on the tape.

“They’re a physical Big Ten team,” he said. “They’ve improved over last year, you can see. They’ve made some adjustments in the O-Line.”

–Field Level Media

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) scores a touch down during the NCAA college football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. This is the Bearcats last game of the season, as well as their Senior Night Saturday.

Report: Star RB Devin Neal returning to Kansas in 2024

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The Kansas Jayhawks got welcome news before playing UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Tuesday night in Phoenix, as star running back Devin Neal has told the coaching staff he will return to the team in 2024, ESPN reported.

An All-Big 12 second-team selection, the true junior (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) had been deliberating about declaring for the NFL draft.

In 12 games (10 starts) in the regular season, he has rushed for 1,209 yards and 15 touchdowns on 183 carries for an average of 6.6 yards per carry and 100.8 yards per game. He also caught 24 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown.

In 36 games (30 starts) over three seasons, Neal has rushed for 3,006 yards and 32 TDs on 521 carries. He ranks fifth in program history for career rushing yards and third in rushing TDs.

Neal, whose hometown is Lawrence, Kansas, would have a shot at becoming the Jayhawks’ all-time leader, surpassing June Henley’s 3,841 yards and 41 touchdowns.

The Jayhawks (8-4) were trying for their first bowl game victory since beating Minnesota 42-21 in the 2008 Insight Bowl. UNLV (9-4) has not won a bowl game since 2000.

–Field Level Media