Kansas football is down to the final week of training camp, and that means the competition is getting tighter by the day.
The Jayhawks opened their fourth block of practices on Sunday and now have two more blocks of three practices before camp wraps up and the players turn their attention to the start of classes. It’s a critical stretch for anyone still trying to climb the depth chart, whether that means winning a starting job or locking down a reserve role before KU moves into a mock game week during the first week of classes.
One of the battles worth tracking has been at wide receiver, where Keaton Kubecka and Nahzae Cox have both made their case.
Cox entered camp as the favorite, and that hasn’t changed entirely. But Kubecka has put himself in the mix by simply staying on the field. Through nine practices, he has been able to participate, and that mattered coming in because one of the main questions was whether he could stay healthy.
Kubecka also brings a different kind of value. He knows the scheme better and has earned the trust of the coaching staff. That kind of familiarity counts, especially this late in camp when every rep matters.
Cox, meanwhile, has kept showing up in the ways that matter most for a receiver. He continues to make plays and projects as a deep threat this fall. The feeling here is that both players will have a role once the season gets rolling.
If KU were lining up for Long Island today, Kubecka might get the first crack on the field. But over the longer haul, Cox appears likely to end up with more snaps.
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What has stood out to Kansas coaches is the steadiness Kubecka has brought back to his game, along with a more aggressive approach that has helped him re-establish trust. The Jayhawks have also adjusted practice scheduling to keep players fresher through camp, a small but meaningful change as Kubecka tries to turn this momentum into a real role when the season begins. [Read more 🡒]