January has been a whirlwind for Kansas football, and the Jayhawks aren’t slowing down anytime soon. After spending the first half of the month working the transfer portal and shoring up the 2026 roster, the KU coaching staff has hit the road hard these past couple of weeks, focusing their energy on high school recruiting. That grind is starting to pay off, and it’ll be on full display this weekend as a strong group of recruits heads to Lawrence for the program’s first Junior Day of the year.
This Saturday marks the first of two major Junior Days KU has scheduled - the second will come in early March, right after the NCAA’s February dead period wraps up. These events are key opportunities for the staff to connect with top targets, and Saturday’s group is shaping up to be a promising one.
Recruits will get a full taste of what Kansas football is building. They'll spend time with the coaching staff, tour the facilities, and get an inside look at the culture Lance Leipold and his team are continuing to develop. It’s not just about the Xs and Os - it’s about showing these high school athletes what it means to be part of something bigger in Lawrence.
And the day doesn’t end with football. KU’s Junior Day experience will roll right into one of the most electric environments in college sports - Allen Fieldhouse.
The recruits will be in the building for the KU-BYU basketball matchup, a game that’s expected to bring the kind of energy that makes a lasting impression. For high school prospects, seeing the passion of the Jayhawk fanbase in full force can be a game-changer.
While the 2026 in-state class might not be as deep as in years past, there are still some names that stand out - and none more so than Andover offensive lineman Tyson Ross. He’s been a hot name on the recruiting trail this month, with multiple staffs making the trip to see him in person.
KU’s been in the mix, and Ross is set to be on campus Saturday. He’s one of those prospects who could be a cornerstone of the class, and getting him around the program early is a smart play.
All in all, Saturday is shaping up to be a pivotal day for Kansas football - a chance to build momentum, deepen relationships, and plant the seeds for a strong 2026 recruiting class.