Dylan Edwards made quite the splash with Kansas State fans during the Aer Lingus Classic against Iowa State last season. Fast forward to 2026, and he's ready to don the Crimson and Blue for the Kansas Jayhawks, a move few anticipated.
After a challenging 2025 season, where an ankle injury in the opener in Dublin set him back, Edwards is looking for a fresh start. A Derby, Kansas native, he only managed to play in four games last year, facing the likes of Iowa State, Arizona, Central Florida, and Baylor. Now, he's optimistic about his new chapter with the Jayhawks.
In his first media appearance since transferring from K-State to KU, Edwards shared that his new teammates have welcomed him warmly, easing any initial concerns about team chemistry.
During his time at Kansas State, Edwards had a standout moment-a 34-20 victory over Central Florida, where he rushed for 166 yards on 20 carries. However, injuries limited his impact, allowing Joe Jackson to step up and claim the starting role. With Spring practice looming, Jackson is already making a case to retain that spot.
Back in 2024, Edwards showed promise, finishing strong with a 196-yard game against Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. He even helped defeat his future team, the Jayhawks, in a close 29-27 game. But after announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal in November, his future was uncertain until his commitment to Kansas in January.
If Edwards secures the starting role, he'll make history as the first player in the Sunflower Showdown’s transfer portal era to play for both teams in this storied rivalry.
Meanwhile, Joe Jackson is ready to shine. He became a fan favorite after setting a school record with 293 rushing yards against Utah, including an impressive 80-yard touchdown.
Jackson consistently delivered, with strong performances against TCU and Colorado. While Kansas State opted out of a bowl game, missing a chance to showcase his talents further, Jackson is poised to take the reins this season and potentially make a case for the next level.