The Kansas Jayhawks may not have had the kind of 2025 season that turns heads in the standings, but when it comes to NFL potential, a few individuals from this squad are very much on the radar. The NFL released its official list of 319 invitees for the 2026 Scouting Combine, and three Jayhawks are heading to Indianapolis later this month: quarterback Jalon Daniels, wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., and offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr.
These three represent different parts of the field - and different journeys - but all have a shot to make noise at the next level. Let’s break down what each brings to the table as they take the next step toward the pros.
Jalon Daniels (Quarterback)
Daniels is one of those players whose college career was defined as much by perseverance as it was by production. He spent his entire time at Kansas, and when he was healthy, he was the guy under center. His dual-threat ability made him a standout during the Jayhawks’ back-to-back bowl seasons in 2022 and 2023, but injuries limited how much we got to see of him at full strength.
That changed over the past two years. Daniels played both the 2024 and 2025 seasons without missing extended time, and while KU finished 5-7 in each, he showed growth and durability - two things NFL scouts will be watching closely.
In 2025, Daniels threw for 2,531 yards with 22 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He added 404 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
At 6-foot, 220 pounds, he’s not the biggest quarterback in the class, but he’s got a compact build and a knack for making plays when things break down. His ability to extend plays and move the chains with his legs gives him a dimension that’s increasingly valuable in today’s NFL.
Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (Wide Receiver)
Henderson’s time in Lawrence was short, but he made it count. The Alabama transfer came in with plenty of pedigree - a former four-star recruit who was originally recruited as a running back - and quickly found a home at wide receiver in Kansas’ offense.
In 2025, he tied for the team lead in receptions (45), matched the team-high in receiving touchdowns (5), and led the Jayhawks with 766 receiving yards. That production, combined with his versatility in the return game - including a house call on a kickoff return - helped him earn All-Big 12 honors in multiple categories.
At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Henderson has the kind of frame and speed that can translate to the next level. He’s a fluid athlete with the ability to separate downfield and create after the catch.
And that return ability? That’s going to be a bonus for teams looking for depth and special teams value.
Enrique Cruz Jr. (Offensive Lineman)
Cruz is the kind of player who doesn’t always get the spotlight, but NFL teams know how valuable someone like him can be. After transferring from Syracuse, he stepped in and started all 12 games at right tackle for Kansas in 2025. And he didn’t just hold his own - he earned All-Big 12 honorable mention honors for his work up front.
At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Cruz has the size and length that offensive line coaches love to work with. He’s not just big - he’s experienced, having built up reps at both Syracuse and Kansas. That kind of plug-and-play reliability is going to appeal to teams looking to shore up depth or develop a swing tackle.
Cruz, like Daniels, was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, and he’s developed into a legitimate NFL prospect. His invite to the Combine is a testament to the work he’s put in - and the upside he still has.
Looking Ahead
For a Kansas program that’s been grinding to build relevance in the Big 12, sending three players to the Combine is a sign of progress. Daniels, Henderson, and Cruz each took different paths to this point, but now they’re all heading to the same stage - one where a strong performance can vault them up draft boards.
The team results in 2025 might not have matched expectations, but individual talent has a way of shining through. And for these three Jayhawks, the opportunity to prove they belong at the next level is right in front of them.