Kansas Football Transfer Portal Update: A Big Win Up Front, and a Wave of Departures on Defense
As the transfer portal continues to reshape college football rosters across the country, Kansas finds itself right in the thick of the action. The Jayhawks have landed a major defensive reinforcement - but they’re also seeing a significant amount of talent exit the program, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s coming in, who’s heading out, and what it all means for Lance Leipold’s squad heading into 2026.
Incoming Transfer: A Game-Changer in the Trenches
DL Jibriel Conde (6-5, 270) | Grand Valley State
Kansas scored a major portal victory with the commitment of Jibriel Conde, a dominant defensive lineman out of Grand Valley State. Conde had originally committed to Wisconsin just days earlier, but flipped to the Jayhawks, giving Kansas one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the portal - ranked No. 1 at his position by On3.
At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Conde brings size, athleticism, and a high motor to a Kansas defensive front that’s looking to take a leap in 2026. His presence immediately raises the ceiling for the Jayhawks’ defensive line. This isn’t just a depth move - this is a potential impact starter who could anchor the front seven from day one.
For Lance Leipold and his staff, this is the kind of portal win that signals intent. Kansas isn’t just looking to patch holes - they’re trying to build something sustainable and competitive in the trenches.
Outgoing Transfers: Defensive Depth Takes a Hit
While the addition of Conde is a headline-grabber, the list of outgoing transfers is lengthy - and telling. Thirteen players have entered the portal, with the bulk of the departures coming from the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary and linebacker corps.
Here’s a breakdown of the key names on their way out:
Quarterback Room Shake-Up
QB David McComb (6-4, 220)
McComb, a redshirt freshman, is on the move after just one season in Lawrence.
He was viewed as a promising young arm and was expected to be part of the 2026 quarterback competition alongside Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall. With four years of eligibility remaining, he’ll be a name to watch wherever he lands.
Secondary Exodus
S Laquan Robinson (6-1, 200)
S Lyrik Rawls (6-1, 205)
S Damani Maxson (6-1, 195)
Three safeties are out the door - and the biggest name among them is Lyrik Rawls, who started for Kansas this past season and was one of the team’s most productive defenders.
Rawls racked up 72 tackles, 56 of them solo, along with seven pass breakups and an interception. He has one year of eligibility left and will likely draw plenty of interest.
His exit is a significant blow to a Jayhawk defense that’s already undergoing major transition after a 5-7 season. Replacing that kind of production and leadership won’t be easy.
Linebacker Departures
LB Logan Brantley (6-2, 225)
LB Jon Jon Kamara (6-4, 230)
LB JaCorey Stewart (6-0, 230)
The linebacker room is also being hit hard.
Jon Jon Kamara, in particular, is a name that stands out. A freshman with elite measurables - including a 22+ mph top speed, a 40-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-10 broad jump - Kamara showed flashes in limited action, recording five solo tackles and a half sack in 2025.
He’ll have three years of eligibility remaining and should be a hot commodity in the portal.
Other Notable Departures
CB Jameel Croft Jr. (6-0, 195)
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)**
These exits span both sides of the ball, but the cumulative effect is clear: Kansas is undergoing a significant roster overhaul. The departure of offensive tackle Greydon Grimes and tight end Jaden Hamm could impact depth up front and in the passing game, while Bryce Cohoon and Johnny Thompson Jr. were part of a young offensive core that now needs to be retooled.
What It All Means
The portal is a double-edged sword - and Kansas is feeling both sides of it. On one hand, landing a player like Jibriel Conde is a massive win that could pay immediate dividends. On the other, losing experienced starters like Lyrik Rawls and high-upside athletes like Kamara and McComb creates holes that need to be filled - and quickly.
For Lance Leipold, the challenge now is twofold: continue identifying impact players in the portal, and develop the next wave of talent already in the building. The foundation is there, but the roster is clearly in flux.
As the offseason unfolds, expect more movement - and more answers about what this Kansas team will look like in 2026. But one thing’s clear: the Jayhawks are not sitting still. They’re active, aggressive, and looking to level up.