Michael Emami
KSN.com
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KSNW) — The Jayhawks enter the sixth year of the Lance Leipold era.
With back-to-back 5-7 seasons, the pressure is on for KU to make a bowl game, but they’ll face a new challenge without quarterback Jalon Daniels on the roster.
The quarterback battle has dominated headlines this offseason, with Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall each getting reps.
Linebacker Trey Lathan has faced both on the opposite side of the ball, and he says each brings a unique advantage to the table.
“Isaiah is just like, he’s that dude, like a gazelle. I mean, he runs really fast. Cole Ballard, he’s more poised and can fake you out with his eyes. He makes really good decisions with the football,” said Lathan.
Both quarterbacks have different strengths in the film room, but Ballard has a bit of an edge when it comes to experience. The redshirt junior joined the Jayhawks in 2023 and has seen action every season. Marshall didn’t play in 2024 but saw action in nine games last year, making one start. Daniels or no Daniels, Leipold assured Jayhawk fans Kansas is prepared either way.
“We’ve gone through longer stretches with Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall under center and doing things for our program, as well as Jason Bean when he had his chances. So we’ve kind of had those times to prepare for this moment,” said Leipold.
Andy Kotelnicki will play a major role in overseeing the team’s offense and managing personnel. He rejoins KU as an associate head coach after two years with Penn State. Offensive lineman Calvin Clements says he’s already seeing the impact in practice.
“Coach K’s offense excites me. His ability to be explosive and how he puts the run first and how that kind of sets up the over-the-top explosive plays. And some of the running backs he brought in as well. It’s a pleasure blocking for them,” said Clements.
One running back who looks to add explosiveness is Kansas State transfer Dylan Edwards. Making his decision to come to Lawrence in January, Edwards is looking to put an injury-riddled season behind him but also play a different role for the Jayhawks.
“It’s exciting to watch what he’s done in all his handling and how he’s meshed in with our team. Excited for him to take the field for us and give us a dimension that we haven’t had. Andy Kotelnicki, as our play caller, is very excited to find different ways to utilize his talents,” said Leipold.
On the defensive side, Blake Herold will add plenty of experience on the line, with Trey Lathan making a return at linebacker after testing the transfer portal waters. Leroy Harris, who was a Big 12 honorable mention recipient, will slide into the defensive end role for his junior season.
While a good portion of this KU squad has a chip on its shoulder, the Jayhawks will get a chance to compete on the national stage, playing against Arizona State in the first major college football game in London.
That game is set for Week 3, but Week 1 begins in Lawrence against Long Island University at 7 p.m. on Sept. 4 from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.