Kansas football is making its presence felt on the national stage - and the NFL is taking notice.
Four Jayhawks have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis later this month, giving them a prime opportunity to showcase their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 teams. The group includes quarterback Jalon Daniels, wide receiver/return specialist Emmanuel Henderson Jr., offensive tackle Enrique Cruz, and offensive lineman Laith Marjan.
Let’s break down what each player brings to the table - and why this combine could be a pivotal moment in their professional journey.
Jalon Daniels: A Chance to Shine Among the Signal-Callers
Daniels is one of just 15 quarterbacks invited to the combine, a testament to the impact he made during his time in Lawrence. He’s coming off a strong showing at the East/West Shrine Bowl, and now he’ll get another chance to impress in front of NFL decision-makers.
In his final season at Kansas, Daniels completed 62.1% of his passes for a career-high 2,531 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. He tossed 22 touchdowns to just seven interceptions - both career bests - showing growth in decision-making and efficiency. Those numbers speak to a quarterback who’s matured in the pocket and learned how to maximize his offense’s potential.
With other Big 12 quarterbacks like Behren Morton and Sawyer Robertson also in the mix, Daniels will be looking to separate himself in a deep and competitive quarterback class. The combine isn’t just about arm strength - it’s about poise, football IQ, and how well a player can command the moment. Daniels has the tools to do just that.
Emmanuel Henderson Jr.: Speed, Versatility, and Playmaking
If there’s one Jayhawk who could turn heads with raw athleticism, it’s Emmanuel Henderson Jr. The former Alabama transfer has elite speed and dynamic return ability - two traits that NFL teams covet in today’s game.
Henderson earned First Team All-Big 12 honors as a return specialist, leading the conference in kickoff return yards. His 94-yard return against West Virginia was the second-longest in the Big 12 this past season, and he averaged a conference-best 25.3 yards per return.
But Henderson wasn’t just a threat on special teams. He also made his mark as a receiver, earning Third Team All-Big 12 honors.
He finished seventh in the conference in receiving yards and ranked fourth in yards per catch - a clear sign of his big-play potential. He was also recognized as an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
His performance at the East/West Shrine Bowl reportedly turned enough heads that he exited the event early - a move that often signals a strong showing in practices. At the combine, his top-end speed and route-running will be under the microscope, and he’s got a real chance to boost his draft stock.
Enrique Cruz: Quietly Dominant in the Trenches
Offensive linemen don’t always get the spotlight, but Enrique Cruz earned his recognition the hard way - with consistent, physical play up front.
As KU’s starting right tackle, Cruz quietly put together an impressive season. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished as the sixth-highest graded offensive tackle in the Big 12 and cracked the top 50 nationally, ranking 47th among FBS tackles. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed in NFL circles.
Cruz was named an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection, and his tape shows a lineman with solid footwork, good leverage, and the ability to anchor against speed and power. The combine will give him the chance to show off his agility and technique in drills that often separate the draftable linemen from the rest.
Laith Marjan: A Versatile Lineman Looking to Make His Mark
Rounding out the Kansas quartet is Laith Marjan, who brings versatility and toughness to the offensive line. While he may not have received the same accolades as his teammates, his inclusion in the combine says a lot about how NFL evaluators view his potential.
Marjan has the kind of frame and athletic profile that teams like to develop. The combine will be a big test for him - from the bench press to the shuttle drills, every rep will matter. For a player like Marjan, who’s looking to prove he belongs at the next level, this is the ideal stage to do it.
Kansas Football's NFL Momentum
Having four players invited to the combine is a big deal for Kansas - and a clear sign of the program’s upward trajectory under its current leadership. These aren’t just combine invites; they’re validation of development, talent identification, and player growth.
For Daniels, Henderson, Cruz, and Marjan, the next few weeks are about more than just drills and interviews. They’re about proving they belong, not just as prospects, but as future pros.
And with the way they’ve performed so far, don’t be surprised if all four hear their names called on draft weekend.