Kansas Football Transfer Portal Update: A Big Win Up Front, But Key Departures on Defense
The transfer portal continues to reshape rosters across college football, and Kansas is no exception. As the Jayhawks look to rebound from a 5-7 season and build momentum heading into 2026, the portal has already delivered both a major addition and a wave of departures-particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Let’s break down what’s happening in Lawrence.
Incoming Transfer: A Game-Changer in the Trenches
DL Jibriel Conde (6-5, 270) | Grand Valley State
Kansas landed a massive win in the portal-literally and figuratively-with the commitment of defensive lineman Jibriel Conde. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound standout from Grand Valley State had initially pledged to Wisconsin, but flipped to Kansas over the weekend.
That’s not just a recruiting victory-it’s a statement. Conde is ranked as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the portal, according to On3, and his blend of size, athleticism, and upside gives Kansas a potential difference-maker in the trenches. For a program looking to take the next step under Lance Leipold, this is the kind of addition that can anchor a defensive front and set the tone for the rest of the unit.
Outgoing Transfers: Defensive Depth Takes a Hit
While the addition of Conde is huge, Kansas is also navigating some serious losses-especially on defense. Eleven players have entered the portal, including multiple starters and rotational pieces.
Here’s a look at who’s on the move:
Secondary Departures
- S Laquan Robinson (6-1, 200)
- S Lyrik Rawls (6-1, 205)
- S Damani Maxson (6-1, 195)
- **CB Jameel Croft Jr.
(6-0, 195)**
The biggest name here is Lyrik Rawls, a veteran starter who played a major role this season. Rawls racked up 72 total tackles, with 56 of them solo, and added seven pass breakups and an interception.
He was a steady presence on the back end of the defense and had one year of eligibility left. His departure marks a significant blow to a secondary that was already in flux.
Laquan Robinson and Damani Maxson also leave holes in the safety room, while Croft Jr. exits after providing depth at corner.
Linebacker Exodus
- LB Logan Brantley (6-2, 225)
- LB Jon Jon Kamara (6-4, 230)
- LB JaCorey Stewart (6-0, 230)
The linebacker group is getting hit hard. Jon Jon Kamara, a freshman with elite athletic traits, is one of the more intriguing departures.
At 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, Kamara brought serious physical tools to the table-reportedly clocking over 22 mph in top speed, with a 40-inch vertical and a 10-foot-10 broad jump. He saw the field in 2025 and recorded five solo tackles and half a sack, flashing his potential.
He’ll have three years of eligibility at his next stop.
Brantley and Stewart also leave behind depth and experience at a position that was already thin at times in 2025.
Offensive Departures
- OT Greydon Grimes (6-6, 285)
- TE Jaden Hamm (6-4, 225)
- WR Bryce Cohoon (6-2, 200)
- **RB Johnny Thompson Jr.
(5-10, 190)**
On the offensive side, Kansas sees some movement in the trenches and skill positions. Offensive tackle Greydon Grimes is a notable loss given his size and potential, while Jaden Hamm exits the tight end room. Bryce Cohoon, a wide receiver with size and athleticism, and Johnny Thompson Jr., a 5-10, 190-pound back, round out the list of offensive players seeking new opportunities.
What It All Means
The portal giveth, and the portal taketh away. For Kansas, the addition of Jibriel Conde is a massive boost-arguably one of the biggest portal wins of the offseason so far. But the Jayhawks will need to address the growing list of defensive departures, particularly in the secondary and linebacker corps, where depth and experience are quickly becoming concerns.
Lance Leipold and his staff have shown they can identify and develop talent, and they'll need to do it again-both through the portal and in-house development. With key pieces moving on and new ones arriving, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be a pivotal one in the Jayhawks’ climb in the Big 12.
Stay tuned-this portal cycle is far from over.