Lance Leipold and the Kansas Jayhawks didn’t just land a local recruit-they secured a cornerstone for the future of their defense. Josh Galbreath, a standout linebacker from Lawrence, is staying home, and that’s a big win for KU in more ways than one.
Galbreath’s journey to Kansas started back in the summer of 2024, when he turned heads at a Jayhawks camp. His performance there was enough to earn an offer from KU-his fourth at the time-joining a growing list that already included Iowa State, Nebraska, and Kansas State. As his junior year unfolded, national programs like Michigan and Ole Miss jumped into the mix, further validating what KU’s staff had already seen: this kid can play.
But what really sealed the deal was the connection Galbreath built with linebackers coach Chris Simpson. Multiple visits to campus gave him a chance to see the revamped facilities and get a feel for the program’s culture.
It wasn’t just about football-it was about fit. And according to Leipold, the more time they spent around Galbreath, the more they saw a young man with not just talent, but the kind of personality and work ethic that elevates a locker room.
“He’s got a really great personality,” Leipold said. “His parents have been awesome. Very humble about how he goes about it.”
That connection came full circle in January when Galbreath visited for a junior day. Surrounded by a group of local recruits-many of whom had already committed-he made his decision. He was staying in Lawrence.
“To keep another Lawrence High, soon-to-be graduate, in town is important to us,” Leipold said. “What a huge upside he has in athleticism and everything.”
And that upside is no exaggeration. Galbreath stands at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, and he’s not just big-he’s fast.
At KU’s camp, he clocked a 40-yard dash in the 4.4s, a time that jumps off the page for a linebacker. But he’s more than just a testing warrior.
His senior season tape backs it up.
Leipold got a firsthand look at Galbreath during one of his games this fall. What stood out?
The motor. The energy.
The passion.
“He plays the game with passion and enthusiasm,” Leipold said.
Statistically, Galbreath delivered. He racked up 77 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks in his senior season, leading the Sunflower League in sacks during the regular season. Production like that, paired with his physical tools, makes him an intriguing piece for a KU linebacker group that’s seen some turnover this offseason.
He’ll be on campus early, enrolling in mid-January, and that gives him a head start heading into spring ball. With the room in flux, there’s a real opportunity for Galbreath to carve out a role sooner rather than later.
“A guy that we hope can come in here, make contributions for a long time,” Leipold said. “I think Jayhawks fans will be excited about watching him play.”
There’s a lot to like here. A hometown kid with elite athleticism, proven production, and a personality that fits the culture Leipold is building. Galbreath isn’t just a good story-he might be a difference-maker.