The Kansas Jayhawks are making waves in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, with four standout players receiving invites to showcase their talents in Indianapolis. Among them, quarterback Jalon Daniels, wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr., and kicker Laith Marjan are set to represent Kansas on the national stage.
Laith Marjan, the senior kicker from Raleigh, North Carolina, turned heads in 2025 with his precision. Connecting on 82.4% of his field goals and a perfect 40-for-40 on extra points, Marjan demonstrated his impressive range with a long of 55 yards. His consistency was a cornerstone for the Jayhawks’ special teams, providing much-needed stability.
Kansas is gaining traction with NFL scouts, and this year's combine invites are a testament to the program's upward trajectory. The combine, scheduled from February 23 to March 2, will see these athletes compete among 319 prospects, with on-field workouts airing on NFL Network starting February 26.
The Jayhawks' presence at the combine is notable, with eight players invited over the past two years-marking their highest two-year total since at least 2000. Last season, players like Logan Brown and Cobee Bryant paved the way in Indianapolis.
Leading this year's group is quarterback Jalon Daniels. As the first Kansas QB to earn a combine invite in over two decades, Daniels is coming off an impressive season.
He completed 62.1% of his passes, amassing 2,531 yards and 22 touchdowns against seven interceptions. His performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl further boosted his draft stock, showcasing improved timing and command.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. brings dynamic playmaking ability to the table. As a First Team All-Big 12 return specialist, he led the conference in kickoff return yards, averaging 25.3 yards per return.
His electrifying 94-yard return against West Virginia was a highlight of the season. Henderson also excelled as a receiver, ranking seventh in the conference for receiving yards and fourth in yards per catch.
On the offensive line, Enrique Cruz Jr. stood out at right tackle, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors. According to Pro Football Focus, Cruz was the sixth-highest graded tackle in the Big 12 and ranked 47th nationally among FBS tackles. His invitation marks the fourth consecutive year Kansas has sent an offensive lineman to the combine.
With these talented players in the spotlight, Kansas football is poised to make a significant impact at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.