As the chill of winter begins to lift in Lawrence, Kansas, the anticipation for the 2026 football season starts to heat up. The Jayhawks are gearing up for a season opener that’s anything but ordinary-taking on Arizona State at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. This international showdown sets the stage for a demanding season featuring nine consecutive games with just a single bye week between clashes with the Sun Devils and Middle Tennessee State.
Kansas is looking to shake off consecutive 5-7 seasons and recapture the magic of their 2023 campaign, where they finished with a 9-4 record under the leadership of Lance Leipold. The coach, who previously led Buffalo, is eyeing a return to bowl game glory.
One of the most anticipated matchups is the Border Showdown against Missouri, a game that carries significant weight for the Jayhawks. The 2025 edition was a thrilling, high-scoring affair that slipped away from Kansas in the final moments, ending in a 42-31 defeat. The upcoming Week 2 matchup is a pivotal opportunity for Kansas to establish momentum with a fresh roster.
Kansas has undergone a major transformation in the offseason, with 25 players exiting via the transfer portal and 31 new faces joining the squad. Notable additions include former Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards and former Rice quarterback Chase Jenkins, who will vie for the starting QB position. This roster overhaul is ranked 52nd nationally and 12th in the Big 12 by 247Sports.
Excitement is building as offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki returns to call plays for Leipold, following a successful stint at Penn State. With position battles on the horizon and a reenergized lineup, the Jayhawks are poised to tackle the challenges of the 2026 season head-on, starting with their storied rivalry against Missouri.