Kansas is heading into 2026 with a roster full of fresh faces and a whole lot of uncertainty, and EA Sports’ latest College Football 27 ratings make that clear.
The Jayhawks landed at 77 overall when the game’s initial team ratings were released this week. Kansas also checked in at 77 on offense and 77 on defense, a number that ties the program with Iowa State for the lowest overall rating in the Big 12. It’s also Kansas’ lowest team rating since the franchise returned two years ago.
That number lines up with the reality facing Lance Leipold’s team. Kansas has to move on from longtime starting quarterback Jalon Daniels and bring together a sizable transfer class on both sides of the ball after missing a bowl game for the second straight season.
Even so, the individual ratings show plenty of talent on the offensive side. Buffalo transfer wide receiver Nik McMillan is Kansas’ highest-rated player at 88 overall after finishing last season with 981 receiving yards.
Running back Dylan Edwards, who came over from Kansas State, is right behind him at 86 overall. Returning linebacker Trey Lathan leads the defense at 83 overall.
Cam Pickett and Syracuse transfer Yasin Willis each landed at 82 overall, giving Kansas four of its top five rated players on offense or at skill positions.
The quarterback room, though, is where the uncertainty really jumps off the page. Isaiah Marshall and Rice transfer Chase Jenkins are both rated 74 overall, while Cole Ballard, who many expect to be the early favorite to win the job, came in at 70 overall.
Defense looks thinner in the ratings. Outside of Lathan and defensive tackle Tre’Von McAlpin, who has reportedly suffered a season-ending injury, no Kansas defender earned a rating above 80. Defensive end Leroy Harris III, who led the team in sacks last season, is also not in the game after reportedly opting out.
EA Sports ratings don’t decide seasons, but this set gives a pretty blunt snapshot of where Kansas stands: replacing major pieces, sorting out the quarterback spot, and trying to get back to bowl eligibility in 2026.
Kansas’ highest-rated players in EA Sports College Football 27:
Nik McMillan - 88 overall
Dylan Edwards - 86 overall
Trey Lathan - 83 overall
Cam Pickett - 82 overall
Yasin Willis - 82 overall
Kansas team ratings:
Overall: 77
Offense: 77
Defense: 77
Kansas quarterback ratings:
Isaiah Marshall - 74 overall
Chase Jenkins - 74 overall
Cole Ballard - 70 overall
Big takeaways:
Kansas is tied with Iowa State for the lowest overall rating in the Big 12 at 77.
Nik McMillan is the highest-rated Jayhawk at 88 overall.
Four of Kansas’ top five rated players are offensive skill-position players.
Trey Lathan is the highest-rated defensive player at 83 overall.
The quarterback room is rated 74, 74 and 70, reflecting the uncertainty entering fall camp.
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The unresolved part is what happens if Self decides he wants even more shooting at the two, because that choice could ripple through the rest of the rotation. Jeremy Case has made clear why Blyden is so difficult to sit, but Kansas also has other options in Kohl Rosario and Dennis Parker Jr. if the staff wants a different look next to Kinney. The opening-night answer against Fordham is still a projection, not a promise, which is exactly what makes this lineup watch worth following as November approaches. [Read more 🡒]