Kansas Football Reloads Through the Portal: Lance Leipold Breaks Down Key Additions and Program Direction
Kansas football isn’t sitting still. After back-to-back 5-7 seasons, Lance Leipold and his staff knew they had to get aggressive in the transfer portal-and they did just that. From quarterback depth to defensive reinforcements and size at skill positions, the Jayhawks are bringing in a group that Leipold believes can help shift the momentum in 2026.
Let’s break down what Kansas added, what Leipold had to say about the portal window, and how this all fits into the bigger picture for a program trying to take the next step.
Quarterback Competition Incoming
The most headline-grabbing offensive addition is redshirt junior Chase Jenkins, who transfers in from Rice. He’ll be in the mix for the starting quarterback job, and while the room already has talent, Leipold clearly wanted more competition under center.
Jenkins brings experience and the kind of mobility that fits what Kansas likes to do offensively. Don’t be surprised if this battle stretches deep into spring.
A Familiar Face Joins the Backfield
Running back Dylan Edwards makes the jump from Kansas State to Kansas, and that’s not just a portal move-it’s a rivalry twist. Edwards brings versatility to the backfield, and Leipold likes what he adds both as a runner and a pass-catcher.
But Edwards isn’t alone. The Jayhawks also brought in Jalen Dupree (Colorado State) and Yasin Willis (Syracuse), two bigger backs who can bring some punch between the tackles.
Defensive Line Gets Bigger-and Deeper
Leipold didn’t sugarcoat it: Kansas needed size and experience on the defensive line after key departures. One name to know is David Santiago, a redshirt junior defensive end from Michigan State. He’s expected to step in right away and help stabilize a unit that leaned heavily on three defensive tackles last season.
That reliance on interior depth made it clear Kansas had to reload. While Blake Herold and Marcus Calvin return and are well-liked internally, Leipold emphasized the need to supplement them with new talent. Expect a deeper rotation this fall.
Rebuilding the Defense from the Middle Out
Linebacker was another area of concern. Kansas expected to lose a couple guys-but ended up losing more than anticipated. That prompted a more aggressive approach at the position, and Leipold is encouraged by the size and athleticism of the incoming group.
At safety and cornerback, the Jayhawks followed a similar blueprint-add athleticism and depth. Leipold sees the secondary as a spot where competition will drive improvement, and the additions they’ve made should push returning players.
Length and Contested Catches at Wide Receiver
On the outside, Kansas wanted more length-and they got it. Nik McMillan, a redshirt senior from Buffalo, brings size and experience to the wide receiver room.
So does Nahzae Cox, a senior from Middle Tennessee, who’s known for his ability to win 50-50 balls. Both are expected to compete for roles right away.
The tight end group also got a boost with the additions of Jailen Butler (Old Dominion) and Carter Moses (Albany), two redshirt seniors who bring athleticism and versatility. Leipold is clearly looking to expand his options in the passing game, especially in the red zone.
O-Line Competition Heating Up
Kansas is looking to spark more competition at tackle, but the interior of the offensive line is also getting a shake-up. Connor Stroh (Texas) and Kasen Carpenter (Oklahoma State), both redshirt juniors, are names to watch.
Stroh brings SEC-level size, and Carpenter has Big 12 experience. Leipold wants a more physical, consistent unit up front-and these additions could help make that happen.
A “Fast and Furious” Portal Window
Leipold described the January portal window as “fast and furious,” with a constant flow of players and decisions. Unlike traditional recruiting weekends, the portal doesn’t stop for official visits-it’s a non-stop evaluation and fit process.
But Leipold likes the group they landed and believes Kansas can close the deal when they get players on campus. That’s a big piece of the puzzle, especially in today’s accelerated transfer landscape.
Revenue-Sharing and the New Recruiting Landscape
Leipold didn’t shy away from the reality of modern college football: money matters. Revenue-sharing is now part of the equation, and he credited general manager Rob Ianello, the personnel department, and KU Athletics’ legal staff for helping the program navigate the complexities.
But Leipold made it clear-his focus is still on the football. He’s eager to get back on the field, and despite the off-field changes, the mission remains the same: build a competitive, cohesive roster.
Retention Still a Priority
Kansas lost some notable names this offseason-David McComb (Miami-Ohio), Jon Jon Kamara (Wisconsin), and Lyrik Rawls (Arizona State) among them. But they also held onto key contributors, like redshirt senior linebacker Trey Lathan. Leipold acknowledged the volume of departures but emphasized that retention remains a big part of how Kansas is reshaping its identity.
He also touched on a key point: just because a player comes in through the portal doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed a spot. Returning players still have every chance to win jobs, and Leipold said that’s a message he’s been clear about.
In fact, he recalled a past conversation with a former player who questioned whether Leipold would’ve recruited him if he’d known how much the rest of the group would develop. Leipold’s response? That’s the job-bring in talent, push the group, and let the best players rise.
The Big Picture
This portal class isn’t just about plugging holes-it’s about building a roster with competition at every level. Whether it’s Jenkins at quarterback, Edwards in the backfield, or Santiago on the defensive line, Kansas is adding pieces that can elevate the floor and raise the ceiling.
Now, it’s about development, chemistry, and execution. If the Jayhawks can turn these additions into production, 2026 might just be the year they break through.