Kansas Football Transfer Portal Update: Jayhawks Land Top DL, See Key Departures
The college football transfer portal has become an offseason battleground, and Kansas is right in the thick of it. As the dust begins to settle on the early wave of portal activity, the Jayhawks have pulled off one of their biggest wins under Lance Leipold - while also saying goodbye to a handful of key contributors, particularly on defense.
Here’s a full breakdown of where things stand for Kansas football in the portal as of Dec. 19, 2025.
Incoming Transfer
DL Jibriel Conde (6-5, 270) | Grand Valley State
Let’s start with the headline: Kansas just landed the top-ranked defensive lineman in the portal, according to On3. Jibriel Conde, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound force from Grand Valley State, flipped his commitment from Wisconsin to Kansas - a huge recruiting coup for Leipold and his staff.
Conde had initially pledged to the Badgers just days earlier, but the Jayhawks made a late push and sealed the deal. His combination of size, athleticism, and production at the Division II level makes him a high-upside addition to a Kansas defensive front looking to take a step forward in 2026. He brings not just depth, but immediate impact potential - and his commitment sends a strong signal that Kansas is serious about upgrading its defensive line.
Outgoing Transfers (11)
While the Jayhawks scored big with Conde, they’ve also seen a wave of departures - particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Eleven players have entered the portal, including several from the secondary and linebacker corps. Here's a closer look at who’s moving on.
QB David McComb (6-4, 220)
McComb’s decision to enter the portal is one of the more surprising moves.
The redshirt freshman was viewed as a key part of Kansas’ quarterback room moving forward and was expected to compete for the starting job in 2026 alongside Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall. With four years of eligibility remaining, McComb becomes an intriguing option for programs looking for a young, talented signal-caller with upside.
IOL Kene Anene (6-5, 315)
Anene brings size and versatility to the interior offensive line. While he wasn’t a major contributor this past season, his departure still thins out Kansas’ depth up front - a position group that’s always critical, especially in the Big 12.
S Laquan Robinson (6-1, 200)
Robinson adds to the list of defensive backs on the move. His exit continues a trend of turnover in the secondary, which will be a major area of focus for the Jayhawks heading into spring ball.
OT Greydon Grimes (6-6, 285)
Grimes, with his long frame and developmental potential, is another offensive lineman seeking a fresh start. His departure isn’t as high-profile as others, but it does leave Kansas with more work to do in the trenches.
LB Logan Brantley (6-2, 225)
Brantley was part of a linebacker unit that saw a lot of movement this season. With his departure, Kansas loses another athletic body from a position group already in flux.
CB Jameel Croft Jr. (6-0, 195)
Croft’s exit adds to the secondary shake-up. The 6-foot corner was a promising young player, and his departure underscores the need for Kansas to reload in the defensive backfield.
LB Jon Jon Kamara (6-4, 230)
Kamara might be one of the more intriguing prospects in the portal.
The freshman linebacker from Arizona flashed serious athleticism during his time in Lawrence - including a reported 22+ mph top speed, a 40-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-10 broad jump. He logged five solo tackles and half a sack in 2025, and with three years of eligibility left, he’ll be a name to watch wherever he lands.
S Lyrik Rawls (6-1, 205)
This one stings.
Rawls was a veteran presence and a productive starter for the Jayhawks this season, racking up 72 tackles (56 solo), seven pass breakups, and an interception. He was a steady force in the secondary and his departure marks the most significant loss from Kansas’ defense so far.
With one year of eligibility remaining, he’ll be a valuable addition for a program in need of experience on the back end.
S Damani Maxson (6-1, 195)
Maxson joins the exodus from the safety room. Kansas is losing not just talent here, but also continuity - and that’s going to put pressure on the staff to hit the portal hard for replacements.
TE Jaden Hamm (6-4, 225)
Hamm’s departure opens up a spot in the tight end room, where Kansas has been developing young talent. While he didn’t have a huge role in 2025, depth at tight end is always important - especially in an offense that likes to use multiple formations.
LB JaCorey Stewart (6-0, 230)
Another linebacker on the move, Stewart’s exit further depletes a group that’s been hit hard by the portal. His departure, along with Kamara and Brantley, means Kansas will need to restock its linebacker corps in a big way.
WR Bryce Cohoon (6-2, 200)
Cohoon’s transfer adds to the offensive turnover. While he wasn’t a top target in the passing game, his size and athleticism made him a valuable depth piece in the receiver room.
RB Johnny Thompson Jr. (5-10, 190)
Thompson was part of a deep running back rotation. His departure opens up more opportunities for younger backs to emerge, but it also reduces the experience and versatility in the backfield.
The Takeaway
Kansas football is in the middle of a pivotal offseason. Landing Jibriel Conde - the No. 1 defensive lineman in the portal - is a major win, and it shows the program’s momentum under Lance Leipold is real. But the transfer portal taketh as much as it giveth, and the Jayhawks now face the challenge of replacing a wave of defensive talent, especially in the secondary and linebacker groups.
With more portal activity still to come, Kansas has work to do to rebuild depth and fill key holes. But if they can follow up the Conde addition with a few more high-impact transfers, this could still shape up to be a strong offseason for a program looking to take the next step in 2026.