In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the 2026 season promises to be a pivotal one for the Missouri Tigers and their arch-rivals, the Kansas Jayhawks. As a lifelong fan of the sport, I find myself particularly intrigued by the Jayhawks' journey under the leadership of head coach Lance Leipold. The narrative surrounding Kansas' football program is one of resilience and transformation, and the 2026 season will be a crucial test of their progress.
Leipold's arrival at Kansas has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to take overlooked programs and build them into viable contenders is well-documented. At Wisconsin-Whitewater, he created a dynasty, and at Buffalo, he turned a struggling program into a conference force. Now, he has the Jayhawks on a three-year rocket ship to 9 wins and Heisman talk, a remarkable feat considering the program's previous struggles.
However, the 2025 season presented a setback. Despite a seemingly healthy Jalon Daniels at quarterback, the Jayhawks' offense regressed, ranking 48th in the nation. The defense, too, struggled, finishing 76th overall. The schedule, however, provided a clear picture of the team's strengths and weaknesses, with a 5-0 record against teams ranked 60th or worse in SP+, and a 0-7 record against teams ranked 58th or higher.
The coaching staff, led by Leipold, faces a critical year. The loss of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to Penn State and the retirement of defensive coordinator Brian Borland have left a void. The staff churn is a common occurrence in college football, but Leipold must now prove that he can replace his assistants and maintain the program's momentum.
The roster movement tells a story of both continuity and change. Kansas cut a significant number of players in the portal, identifying those who weren't up to par. They replaced them with projects and potential, a strategy that has served Leipold well in the past. The high school recruiting class, while ranking 60th in the nation, features a lone blue-chip recruit and a bunch of 3-star projects, a strategy that Leipold believes in.
The offense, a unique blend of veer and triple-option concepts, struggled in 2025. The quarterback, Chase Jenkins, and the running backs, Yasin Willis, Jalen Dupree, and Dylan Edwards, will be crucial to the team's success. The passing attack, bolstered by Nik McMillan and Nahzae Cox, will be a key factor in the team's performance.
The defense, a critical component of Leipold's teams, has been the main indicator of the program's success. The Jayhawks' defense has never been elite, but when they were winning, they were respectable. The loss of key players and the need to shore up weaknesses will be a challenge for the coaching staff.
As for the 2026 season, it could be Leipold's last at Kansas if he can't get bowl eligible. The schedule is not forgiving, and the conference's strength and weakness make it a volatile environment. The Tigers, under the leadership of Eli Drinkwitz, will be looking to break their losing streak in Lawrence, a game that carries significant stakes.
In my opinion, the Tigers have the edge in this rivalry, and I lean towards them getting their first win in Lawrence since the George W. Bush administration. However, I won't entertain the thought of a loss. The Jayhawks, under Leipold's leadership, have the potential to surprise, but the Tigers' roster depth and coaching experience give them a slight advantage. The 2026 season will be a fascinating one, and I, for one, can't wait to see how it unfolds.
