The Kansas Jayhawks are heading into 2026 with a clean slate in their running back room - and not by choice.
On Tuesday, reports surfaced that redshirt freshman running back Harry Stewart III is entering the transfer portal. His departure, paired with the earlier exit of Johnny Thompson Jr., leaves KU in a precarious spot at one of the most physically demanding positions on the field.
As things stand, the Jayhawks will return just two redshirt freshmen - Justin Thurman and John Kelly - and welcome incoming freshman Kory Amachree. That trio has combined for just five career carries.
You read that right. Five.
For a team that’s relied on a steady rotation of backs in recent seasons, this is a full reset. And it means the next month will be crucial for Kansas as it looks to reshape the room through the transfer portal - likely with multiple additions.
As for Stewart, his time in Lawrence was a mix of promise and setbacks. He arrived in 2024 from powerhouse Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas, with coaches praising his college-ready frame (5-foot-10, 215 pounds) and physical style of play. He redshirted his first year, but flashed briefly in limited action, logging seven carries for 24 yards in the season opener against Lindenwood and appearing for one snap in the finale versus Baylor.
The 2025 offseason was supposed to be his springboard. Instead, a knee injury during spring ball derailed his momentum, and he opened fall camp in a no-contact jersey.
To his credit, Stewart worked his way back into the mix. With veterans Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams battling through injuries during the season, Stewart saw his role grow.
He logged 82 offensive snaps, finishing the year with 21 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown, plus five catches for 29 yards.
It wasn’t a breakout year, but it was enough to suggest that Stewart could be a key contributor in 2026, especially with Hishaw and Williams moving on. With Thompson also out of the picture, Stewart was in line to be one of the top returning options. Instead, he’s on the move, with three years of eligibility still on the table.
So where does that leave Kansas? In scramble mode, frankly.
The Jayhawks not only lost Stewart and Thompson, but also saw 2026 commit KD Jones flip late in the cycle. That opens the door for KU to pursue at least two - and possibly three - backs in the portal.
There’s still time to reshape the room, and the portal can offer quick fixes. But make no mistake: this is a major reset for a position that’s been a staple of the offense. Whoever steps in will be walking into a wide-open competition - and a golden opportunity.