Kansas football’s first depth chart of the season didn’t deliver many shocks, but it did clear up a handful of the biggest questions hanging over the roster as the opener against Long Island University draws closer.
With the Jayhawks just five days out from Week 1 and still a week away from their first major measuring stick against Missouri, the depth chart offered the first real look at how the staff is sorting out the new pieces. A few spots are still clearly in flux, but several battles now have at least a temporary answer.
The backfield is one of the cleaner storylines. Dylan Edwards, one of Kansas’ most notable offseason additions, is listed as a co-starter alongside Syracuse transfer Yasin Willis, with Jalen Dupree slotted as RB3.
That setup fits the way Kansas expects to use the position group. Andy Kotelnicki is likely to lean on both Edwards and Willis heavily, and both were named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List earlier this month.
Willis figures to handle more of the early-down rushing work, while Edwards brings the burst and pass-catching ability that can change a drive in a hurry. The staff has also discussed packages where both backs are on the field together, a wrinkle that could give defenses plenty to sort out.
Kansas also settled part of its secondary picture. Jalen Todd was already expected to open as CB1, and Austin Alexander edged out former Ball State standout Roman Pearson for the other starting boundary spot.
That’s notable considering Alexander missed spring while recovering from surgery and then dealt with a minor knee injury, but he still managed to claim the job. The safety spots are where the biggest surprises landed.
Taylor Davis is listed as the top free safety, while Corey Gordon and Mason Ellis are sharing strong safety duties.
Another newcomer who earned a starting role is EJ Cannon, who checks in as the first option at the HAWK position. He’s expected to work primarily as the nickel corner, while Iowa State transfer Khijohnn Cummings-Coleman is set for more snaps as a nickel safety.
The most important development, though, may be the offensive line. After months of hints from Leipold about how the starting five would shake out, Kansas finally revealed the first version of the group.
Amir Herring won the left guard job, Tavake Tuikolovatu took the right guard spot, and Texas transfer Connor Stroh is listed behind Tuikolovatu. Kansas had tried Herring at center during fall camp, but Oklahoma State transfer Kasen Carpenter ended up winning that role, at least for now.
DeAndre Harper remains a name to watch in the rotation, especially since he can work both inside and outside and has impressed this summer.
On the edges, Calvin Clements is back starting at tackle after a first year as a starter in which he graded out as the worst qualifying offensive tackle in the Big 12. He’ll line up opposite Nick Morrow, the Cal transfer who steps into an immediate starting role for the Jayhawks.
In Other News...
Former Kansas Commit Just Changed A Recruiting Win's Entire Feel
The recruiting board at Kansas took a hit this week when Javon Bardwell, a four-star wing who had been pledged to the Jayhawks as part of the 2027 class, moved up a year and reopened his recruitment. Bardwells rise into the 2026 cycle only sharpened the attention around him, since he entered that class ranked No. 33 nationally and had already been viewed as a significant early win for Bill Selfs staff.
Providence wound up benefiting from the shuffle, landing Bardwell for Bryan Hodgsons program after his Kansas commitment disappeared from the picture. For the Jayhawks, the change does more than trim one name from the board - it turns what had looked like a clean long-term recruiting victory into a more complicated story, with Kansas now having to regroup while a premium prospect continues his career path elsewhere. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas Opens Season With A Receiver Concern Fans Need To Watch
Kansas opened the week with a little more clarity on its roster than it had a few days ago, but not complete certainty. Head coach Lance Leipold said wide receiver Cam Pickett is dealing with a leg injury, and the veteran receiver recently sat out practice as the Jayhawks prepared for Fridays season opener against Long Island University. The rest of the injury picture was relatively calm, with no other major concerns reported as kickoff approaches.
Still, Pickett is the name to watch because his availability may not be settled until later in the week, leaving Kansas to monitor one of its more important pass-catching pieces right up to game day. Freshman running back Kory Amachree is also expected to miss an extended stretch after an earlier injury, so the Jayhawks are already facing a little roster management before the season even begins. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas Must Replace A Roster Hope Fans Werent Ready To Lose
Melvin Council Jr.s bid to buy one more year of college basketball is over, leaving Kansas to move on without the roster piece some fans were still hoping to salvage. His case against the NCAA had been hanging over the summer as a possible path back into college eligibility, but the uncertainty ended when the matter was taken off the court calendar.
The timing matters for the Jayhawks, who had been watching the situation closely as they sorted out their roster outlook. The NCAA had opposed Councils claim on the grounds that his NBA Summer League participation and his decision to hire an agent already put him out of eligibility, and with the lawsuit now gone, Kansas has to treat the situation as settled and plan accordingly. [Read more 🡒]