Kansas Football Transfer Portal Update: Jayhawks Land a Key Defensive Piece, See Significant Roster Movement
As the college football offseason heats up, Kansas is making noise in the transfer portal - both with a major defensive addition and a wave of outgoing talent. With roster reshaping in full swing, the Jayhawks are navigating the portal with a mix of calculated aggression and necessary adjustments, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
A Big Win in the Trenches: DL Jibriel Conde Joins KU
Let’s start with the headline: Kansas has secured a major commitment from Grand Valley State transfer Jibriel Conde, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive lineman who had originally pledged to Wisconsin. Now, he’s headed to Lawrence, flipping his commitment in a move that gives the Jayhawks a massive boost up front.
Conde isn’t just a body in the rotation - he’s the top-ranked defensive lineman in the portal, according to On3. That’s a big deal for a Kansas defense that’s looking to establish a more physical presence in the trenches heading into the 2026 season. At his size, Conde brings the kind of frame and athleticism that can anchor the line or shift across multiple positions, depending on how defensive coordinator Brian Borland wants to deploy him.
For head coach Lance Leipold, this is the kind of portal win that signals intent. Kansas isn’t just looking to fill holes - they’re targeting impact players who can elevate the program. Conde fits that mold.
The Outbound Wave: 16 Jayhawks Enter the Portal
While the addition of Conde is a clear win, Kansas has also seen significant attrition, with 16 players entering the transfer portal. The departures span multiple position groups, but there’s been especially notable movement in the secondary and linebacker rooms.
Here’s a breakdown of the key names on the move:
- CB Aundre Gibson (5-10, 188)
- EDGE Caleb Redd (6-3, 245)
- RB Harry Stewart III (5-10, 215)
- QB David McComb (6-4, 220)
McComb’s departure is particularly intriguing. A redshirt freshman with four years of eligibility left, he was viewed as one of the more promising young arms in the program.
With a quarterback battle looming between Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall, McComb’s exit takes one name out of the mix - and potentially opens the door for Kansas to explore another QB addition.
- IOL Kene Anene (6-5, 315)
- S Laquan Robinson (6-1, 200)
- OT Greydon Grimes (6-6, 285)
- LB Logan Brantley (6-2, 225)
- CB Jameel Croft Jr. (6-0, 195)
One of the more athletic players to hit the portal is LB Jon Jon Kamara (6-4, 230). A freshman with elite measurables - including a 40-inch vertical, 10-foot-10 broad jump, and a reported top speed north of 22 mph - Kamara appeared in the 2025 season, logging five solo tackles and a half sack. He’s raw but loaded with upside, and he’ll have three years of eligibility wherever he lands next.
- S Lyrik Rawls (6-1, 205) This one stings.
Rawls was a starter in the secondary and one of the more consistent performers on defense. He racked up 72 tackles, including 56 solo stops, and added seven pass breakups and an interception.
With one year of eligibility remaining, Rawls will be a sought-after veteran presence for programs needing help on the back end. His departure marks the first major loss from a defense already dealing with turnover after a 5-7 finish.
- S Damani Maxson (6-1, 195)
- TE Jaden Hamm (6-4, 225)
- LB JaCorey Stewart (6-0, 230)
- WR Bryce Cohoon (6-2, 200)
- RB Johnny Thompson Jr. (5-10, 190)
What It All Means for Kansas
This is the modern college football landscape - roster fluidity is the norm, and Kansas is right in the thick of it. The Jayhawks are losing depth at several spots, especially at safety and linebacker, where multiple contributors are heading elsewhere. But they’re also being proactive, as evidenced by the addition of a top-tier defensive lineman like Conde.
For Leipold and his staff, the challenge now becomes twofold: continue to plug gaps with capable transfers, and make sure the locker room culture stays strong through the transition. With the 2026 season on the horizon, this portal cycle could prove pivotal in determining whether Kansas can take the next step in the Big 12.
One thing’s for sure - the Jayhawks are far from finished in the portal. Expect more moves, more additions, and more reshaping as the offseason rolls on.