Kansas is heading into another Sunflower Showdown with the same old number hanging over the rivalry: 17 straight losses to Kansas State. That streak is the backdrop for the latest round of frustration around Lance Leipold’s handling of the matchup, with Yahoo reporting that some KU fans have taken issue with his approach. The criticism, the story says, comes from years of hard results in the rivalry, where Kansas has had trouble consistently matching up with K-State even as ending that pattern remains a major goal for the program.
There’s a reason hope keeps getting dragged back into the picture, though. Under Leipold, Kansas has flirted with breaking through only to come up short. In 2023 and 2024, the Jayhawks lost those two games by a combined six points.
The annual buildup also includes the usual game-day logistics chatter, and Through the Phog has the details and betting information for anyone already locked in on Saturday’s matchup.
Another game-note item making the rounds is Dylan Edwards’ return to Manhattan, which The Mercury says carries more baggage than a simple homecoming. The piece contrasts his situation with former K-State quarterback Michael Bishop, who was greeted warmly by Wildcat fans in general when he was an assistant coach for Houston on Saturday. Edwards’ return, by comparison, is described as more complicated.
Before the football game arrives, Kansas fans get the yearly campus tradition first. Kansas Athletics announced details for the 42nd edition of Late Night in the Phog presented by Hy-Vee, and this year the men’s portion lines up with KU’s exhibition home game against Pittsburg State on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
Through the Phog also points out how college basketball’s roster churn has changed the feel of the event. With players often not sticking around long enough to become familiar faces, the emotional attachment is harder to build than it used to be.
Even so, the outlet expects warm receptions for White and Council, who both connected with fans last season, especially Council. Kohl Rosario and Paul Mbiya are also expected to draw loud cheers for returning to KU.
On the basketball side, Kansas landed at No. 8 in Ken Pomeroy’s preseason rankings, which were released on Sunday afternoon. The Jayhawks are one of four Big 12 teams in the top 10, joined by No.
3 Houston, No. 5 Arizona and No.
6 Iowa State. Texas Tech sits just outside that group at No.
The women’s team also picked up some national TV exposure for the coming season. Kansas women’s basketball will play three Big 12 games on national television in 2026-27, including two at Allen Fieldhouse, after the league’s television selections were announced Tuesday.
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Devin Neals NFL Fight Just Took Another Turn
Devin Neals pro path has already taken him through a few stops, and now the former Kansas running back is trying to settle in with another team. The 2025 sixth-round pick was signed to the Washington Commanders practice squad after being released by the Minnesota Vikings, giving him another chance to stay attached to an NFL roster after earlier time with the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota.
For Jayhawks fans, Neals journey is still very much one to follow because his next opportunity is coming while he has yet to play this season due to injuries. There was also another familiar Kansas name on the move, with former wide receiver Luke Grimm joining the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad after being waived with an injury settlement, a reminder that several ex-Jayhawks are still working to find traction in the league. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas Faces One Sunflower Showdown Problem Fans Know Too Well
The 2026 Sunflower Showdown is already shaping up as another tense chapter in a rivalry Kansas fans know too well. Kansas State brings a 17-game winning streak in the series dating back to 2009, and this years matchup has the feel of a closely matched battle on paper, with the two teams posting similar statistical rankings across the board.
A big reason the Wildcats keep looking dangerous is quarterback Avery Johnson, who leads Kansas State in both passing and rushing yards. The game also points straight at one of the more intriguing strength-on-strength clashes in the rivalry, with Kansas States rushing offense set to test Kansas run defense in a matchup that could help decide whether the Jayhawks can finally shift the balance. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas Has A Freshman Backcourt Question Fans Can't Ignore
Kansas added some experience with Tre White and Melvin Council Jr., but the bigger early question around Bill Selfs roster is still how quickly the younger pieces can handle major roles. That puts a spotlight on freshmen Tyran Stokes and Taylen Kinney, a pair of highly regarded recruits who already have drawn national attention before playing a college minute. With so much of the rotation still feeling unsettled, their development could shape how steady the backcourt looks once the season starts.
Dick Vitale recently placed both players among his top nine freshmen nationally, a sign of how much buzz they carry into Lawrence. He singled out Stokes as a potential top talent and noted Kinney as a skilled player who could push for a starting job depending on how the roster shakes out. For Kansas, that is exactly where the intrigue lives right now: the veterans help, but the Jayhawks may still need two freshmen to grow up fast. [Read more 🡒]