The Kansas Jayhawks are adding a new face to their quarterback room - and it’s one that could shake up the competition heading into 2026. Former Rice QB Chase Jenkins is headed to Lawrence, bringing with him a dual-threat skill set and some much-needed experience.
Jenkins, a 6-foot sophomore out of Katy, Texas, is coming off his best season yet with the Owls. In 2025, he threw for 1,025 yards on 119 completions, with a solid 9-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
But what really stands out is his ability to make plays with his legs. Jenkins rushed for 531 yards on 151 carries and found the end zone five times - numbers that highlight his versatility and ability to extend plays when things break down.
For head coach Lance Leipold and the Jayhawks, this addition comes at a critical time. With Jalon Daniels officially out of eligibility, Kansas is entering a bit of a transitional phase under center.
The returning quarterbacks - including Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall - are talented, but still green. Jenkins won’t be handed the starting job, but he immediately injects experience and competition into a room that needs both.
What Jenkins brings is more than just stats. He’s battle-tested after three seasons at the college level and has shown he can handle the pressure of being a playmaker. He’s not just a stopgap - he’s a legitimate contender who could push for real snaps if he continues to develop.
Coming out of Alief Taylor High School in the Class of 2023, Jenkins was a three-star recruit, ranked as the No. 93 quarterback in his class and No. 288 overall in the state of Texas. Now, three years later, he enters the transfer portal ranked among the top 1,400 players available and the No. 87 quarterback - a sign of his growth and potential.
This move doesn’t guarantee anything for Kansas, but it does give them options. And in today’s college football landscape, especially in the Big 12, having a quarterback room with depth and upside is more than a luxury - it’s a necessity. Whether Jenkins becomes the starter or not, his presence will raise the level of competition and provide a valuable veteran presence as the Jayhawks look to build on recent momentum.