Kansas is dealing with a quarterback situation worth watching closely heading into its Big 12 matchup with TCU.
The Jayhawks released their Thursday evening availability report, and the only change from the previous day came at the most important spot on the field. Isaiah Marshall, who had been listed as probable, was downgraded to questionable.
That’s the kind of shift that lands hard for a team fresh off a 25-24 walk-off win over Baylor. Marshall had not appeared on Kansas’ injury report before this week, but his body has clearly been taking a beating during his first season as a college starter. After the win over the Bears, Leipold said Marshall was "a little banged up in some areas," and that showed up in his rushing line: 15 carries for 31 yards.
Marshall’s soreness has been a recurring issue. He was hit multiple times on his throwing arm against Missouri last month, and his accuracy suffered.
Even though he entered the week as probable, the move to questionable suggests he may not be recovering as quickly as Kansas had hoped. His practice status on Friday will be worth tracking, and it could decide whether he’s available in Week 9.
He has started the first seven games of the season, and if he’s healthy enough, he’ll likely remain the guy for the stretch run. But Kansas has to plan for life without him, at least for now.
If Marshall can’t play, Cole Ballard looks like the most likely option to take over. The redshirt junior just came back from a shoulder injury he suffered in the loss to MU last week. Against Baylor, he attempted only one pass, and that came on a trick play early in the fourth quarter with Marshall, ending in an incompletion to his intended target and fellow signal-caller.
Rice transfer Chase Jenkins also remains in the mix. He made the most of his only real opportunity earlier this season, going 3-for-3 passing and adding 53 rushing yards and a touchdown in Kansas’ blowout win over Middle Tennessee State on Oct. 3.
Marshall still appears more likely than not to dress, but Kansas may not get him at full strength. That’s not an ideal spot for a Jayhawks offense that has finally started to find its rhythm.
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The contrast between the two teams recent games against Baylor helps frame why this one feels so open-ended. TCU has leaned on explosive passing plays and stout run defense, while Kansas has shown a more balanced approach with an emphasis on the ground game. The edge may come down to the usual league swing factors, including third-down efficiency, red-zone defense, turnovers, sacks, field position and penalties, all the little pieces that tend to decide these matchups before the final whistle does. [Read more 🡒]