KU heads into Saturday’s meeting with Arizona State in London trying to clean up the part of the game that unraveled most sharply in the Border War: the offensive line. The Jayhawks’ front five looked like a strength entering 2026, but the early returns have been uneven, and the pressure points showed up in a big way in the 38-21 loss to Missouri.
Against LIU, KU had a few small issues up front that drew attention even in a win. A week later, those issues turned into a much bigger problem.
The tackles had a rough night in pass protection, with Calvin Clements earning a 31.3 pass block grade, Nick Morrow posting a 48.6 and DeAndre Harper - who also spent time at right tackle - finishing at 22.1. The interior held up better, but there were still clear stretches where the Jayhawks struggled to keep Marshall clean.
That pressure changed the shape of the offense. Missouri’s SEC-caliber edge players were consistently getting to or near Marshall, forcing him into two different responses: he either had to scramble and make plays outside the pocket, or get the ball out before he wanted to. That helps explain why Marshall carried the ball 20 times, mostly because he was trying to escape a collapsing pocket.
The run game never really got going either. KU graded out as average in run blocking on Pro Football Focus, but the Jayhawks still couldn’t create the kind of lanes needed to establish it. Missouri committed to taking that part away, and that helped fuel the wild offensive rhythm KU found itself in.
On Monday, Andy Kotelnicki said the staff sees ways to help the line by changing how the offense sets things up. He pointed to more horizontal blocking than downhill blocking, along with a heavier emphasis on getting Dylan Edwards and Yasin Willis involved on outside runs off the tackles’ shoulders.
That challenge gets sharper this week because Arizona State brings experience and playmaking on the defensive line. Kotelnicki brought up the Sun Devils’ front first when discussing the matchup, and it’s clear that if KU can’t get the run game established, Marshall could be headed for another pass-heavy night. And if that happens, the protection problems could surface all over again.
It all connects. If the line doesn’t stabilize, the offense can slide into the same pattern it fell into against Missouri. KU can’t afford that kind of repeat in London.
In Other News...
Arizona State Brings A Big 12 Problem Kansas Can't Ignore
The Jayhawks head to Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday for a matchup with Arizona State in the inaugural Union Jack Classic, a historic setting for the first college football game ever played at the venue. For Kansas, it is more than a novelty trip. It is an early test against a Sun Devils team that has already shown enough through two games to look like a real Big 12 issue, with head coach Kenny Dillingham bringing an aggressive edge and a defense up front that can make life difficult.
Arizona State also has enough on the perimeter to stress a Kansas defense that will have to stay sharp from the opening series. The Sun Devils have playmakers in the passing game and a quarterback in Cutter Boley who has already put together a productive start, which means this is not the kind of overseas showcase where the Jayhawks can afford a slow beginning. If Kansas wants to leave London with momentum instead of questions, it will have to deal with a team that looks built to keep this one uncomfortable deep into Saturday. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas Faces A Bigger Test Than Fans Wanted After Missouri
Kansas came out of the Missouri loss with more than a sour taste, as the coaching staff spent part of the week sorting through what went wrong and what needs to look cleaner going forward. A big piece of that conversation centered on Isaiah Marshall, whose development remains a priority, along with the broader need for the offense and the team as a whole to show more consistency as the schedule tightens up.
Arizona State is next, and the early read from the Kansas side is that this is no ordinary bounce-back spot. The staff pointed to the Sun Devils talent, a strong coaching setup and a few players who can tilt the game quickly, which makes the margin for error feel small before kickoff even arrives. A prediction was already laid down on the game, and it leans toward Arizona State, which only adds to the sense that Kansas is heading into a tougher test than many fans probably wanted right after the Missouri game. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas Faces A Depth Test Ahead Of Crucial Arizona State Game
Kansas heads into its matchup with Arizona State already dealing with a thin margin for error, and the injury report only adds to the uncertainty. Linebacker Bam Crouch, wide receiver Cam Pickett and tight end Carson Bruhn are all listed as questionable, leaving the Jayhawks to sort through depth issues on both sides of the ball as they prepare for a crucial conference game.
The quarterback situation is even more precarious, with Cole Ballard doubtful because of a shoulder injury. If he cannot go, freshman Chase Jenkins would likely be next in line, a scenario that would put even more pressure on Kansas to manage the game cleanly while navigating an offense already short on healthy options. [Read more 🡒]