Kansas Football Faces Identity Shift in Post-Jalon Daniels Era, but Cole Ballard Could Be the Answer
LAWRENCE, Kansas - For the first time in over half a decade, Kansas football is heading into a season without Jalon Daniels under center - and that’s more than just a personnel change. It’s a seismic shift in identity for a program that’s leaned heavily on Daniels’ leadership, playmaking, and presence.
But while Daniels is gone, the cupboard isn’t bare. In fact, there’s a name already in the building that could give the Jayhawks a new direction: Cole Ballard.
Ballard’s Been Here - And He’s Not Just Waiting Anymore
Cole Ballard has been around since 2023, and he’s not exactly a mystery to Kansas fans. He’s been the guy behind the guys, staying patient and ready. Now, entering his junior year, Ballard might be more than just the next man up - he might be the one to lead.
In a tough 38-14 loss to Iowa State last season, Ballard was the one who broke through offensively, tossing a 21-yard touchdown strike to tight end Boden Groen - Kansas’ only trip to the end zone that day. He completed 3-of-6 passes for 37 yards, marking his fourth game with at least a 50% completion rate and his second with three or more completions. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they’re steady - and in a game where the offense sputtered, Ballard showed he could at least keep the engine running.
He also got the start against Kansas State in 2023, and that’s when things really got interesting. Ballard led three touchdown drives and finished 11-of-16 for 162 yards.
Kansas didn’t win that game - Will Howard and the Wildcats had the upper hand - but Ballard’s performance turned heads. Even Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman said Ballard “changed the game.”
And maybe the most telling part of Ballard’s story? He didn’t hit the transfer portal.
In an era where quarterbacks bounce at the first sign of competition or instability, Ballard stayed. That says something about the kid’s mindset - and it’s the kind of intangible that could pay off big for Kansas.
Running Back Room: A Reset is Coming
The Jayhawks are also facing a reset in the backfield. Longtime starter Daniel Hishaw Jr. is out of eligibility, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams is also on the move. That leaves Kansas with major holes to fill - and the portal is likely where they’ll turn.
Two names stand out as potential fits: Dylan Edwards (Kansas State) and Cam Edwards (UConn). Both bring different styles, but each could give the Jayhawks a fresh spark.
Cam Edwards was a workhorse at UConn, racking up 1,132 yards and 14 touchdowns on 199 carries last season. It was his third straight year with over 100 carries and 600 yards, and he topped 100 yards in four different games - including a monster 194-yard outing against Ball State. He’s proven, durable, and consistent - and he’d be making his first jump to a Power Five program.
Dylan Edwards, meanwhile, had a quieter year at Kansas State, playing in just four games. His highlight came against UCF, but even then, he was overshadowed by Joe Jackson’s record-setting 293-yard performance. Still, Edwards has the tools - and a move to Kansas would keep him in-state while offering a shot at redemption against his former team in the Sunflower Showdown.
Defensive Losses Stack Up, But There’s a Core to Build Around
Defensively, Kansas wasn’t a disaster last season - but they weren’t exactly dominant either. The Jayhawks gave up an average of 387 yards per game and finished 84th nationally in total defense. That’s not the kind of performance that wins championships, and with several key departures, things could get even trickier.
Second-leading tackler Lyrik Rawls is gone, and he’s taking one of the season’s most memorable plays with him - a 360-degree interception against Fresno State that still lives rent-free in highlight reels. Rawls totaled 72 tackles, including 56 solo stops, and was a tone-setter in the secondary.
Up front, six seniors are moving on: Kenean Caldwell, Tommy Dunn Jr., Justice Finkley, Dean Miller, Gage Keys, and Cole Petrus. That’s a lot of experience and a lot of snaps walking out the door.
But there’s still hope. Sophomore Leroy Harris II and redshirt junior Trey Lathan are two names Kansas needs to keep in the building. If they stay out of the portal, they could form the backbone of a defense that’s in need of leaders and playmakers.
Tight End Depth Isn’t the Problem, But Options Are Out There
Kansas has leaned heavily on the tight end position in recent years, and that trend doesn’t look like it’s going away. The current roster already boasts Boden Groen, Carson Bruhn, and Leyton Cure - a solid group with upside.
Still, two names in the portal could be worth a look: Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle, both from Iowa State. Either would be a familiar fit in Lance Leipold’s scheme, and if Kansas wants to double down on tight end-heavy sets, adding another big body could make sense. It would also mark another Cyclone-turned-Jayhawk, following DeShawn Hanika’s transfer in 2022.
What’s Next for Kansas?
There’s no sugarcoating it - this is a transition year. Losing Jalon Daniels, Daniel Hishaw Jr., and a chunk of the defensive line is no small thing.
But there’s a foundation here. Ballard has shown flashes.
The portal offers real opportunities at running back. And if the right pieces stay - and the right ones come in - Kansas could stay competitive.
If everything falls into place, the Jayhawks have a real shot at bowl eligibility for the third time since 2020. A 6-6 finish and a mid-tier bowl game feels like a realistic target - and in a post-Daniels world, that’s not a bad place to be.
Kansas isn’t starting over. They’re just turning the page.