Dylan Edwards is coming home - again - and this time, he’s wearing Jayhawk blue.
The former Kansas State and Colorado running back is transferring to Kansas, a move that adds serious juice to an already intriguing in-state rivalry. Edwards, a native Kansan and former high school standout in the state, is making headlines not just because of his talent, but because of the path he’s taken to get to Lawrence.
Let’s unpack what this means for Kansas football and why this move matters on multiple levels.
A Transfer That Turns Heads
When a player switches schools, it’s not always front-page news. But when that player is a former Kansas State Wildcat - and a productive one at that - who decides to suit up for the Jayhawks, it’s more than just a roster update. It’s a storyline that will follow both programs into their October 17 matchup in Manhattan, and probably long after that.
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold isn’t shying away from the emotional weight of the move. He knows what this means for fans, for the rivalry, and for Edwards himself. But he’s also focused on making sure the transfer is about more than drama - it’s about opportunity.
“The thing that Dylan and I talked about is that I wanted to make sure that he knew that we were in this with him together to make this a good experience for him,” Leipold said.
That sense of support, Leipold noted, was something Edwards didn’t necessarily feel elsewhere. And that could make all the difference.
What Edwards Brings to the Jayhawks
Kansas needed help in the backfield. With Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams both moving on after this past season, and others exiting via the transfer portal, the Jayhawks were looking for someone who could step in and make an impact. Edwards fits that bill - and then some.
While his 2025 season at Kansas State was cut short due to injury and a midseason decision to redshirt, his 2024 numbers show why Kansas is excited. Edwards rushed for 546 yards and five touchdowns, caught 19 passes for 133 yards and two scores, and even returned a punt for a touchdown. That’s versatility you can build around.
And that’s exactly what KU offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is planning to do.
Kotelnicki pointed out that while all great backs share traits like vision and toughness, what sets the elite apart is what they can do in space. That’s where Edwards shines. His ability to create something out of nothing, to turn a sliver of daylight into a chunk play, makes him a candidate for specialized packages that highlight his explosiveness.
A Fresh Start with Familiar Faces
Leipold and his staff did their homework on Edwards. They spoke with members of the former Kansas State coaching staff to get a clear picture of what happened in Manhattan. That kind of due diligence speaks to the program’s commitment to making this a successful transition - and to making sure Edwards is in the right mindset to thrive.
It’s also worth noting that the timing of this move feels right for both sides. When Edwards first left Colorado, Kansas still had Devin Neal firmly entrenched as the lead back.
That likely influenced Edwards’ decision to head to Kansas State. But now, with Neal’s situation evolving and the backfield wide open, the opportunity in Lawrence looks a lot more appealing.
Eyes on October - and Beyond
There’s no getting around it: October 17 is going to be circled in bold red ink on every calendar in the state. Edwards returning to Manhattan in a Kansas uniform adds a layer of intensity to an already fierce rivalry. But Leipold is quick to remind everyone that this is about more than one game.
It’s about giving Edwards a place to get healthy, to grow, and to play his best football yet.
And if that happens, Kansas might have landed one of the most impactful transfers in the Big 12 - not just for the headlines, but for what he can do between the lines.
This isn’t just a homecoming. It’s a second chance. And for Dylan Edwards and the Jayhawks, it could be the start of something special.