CFB Top 50, #42: 2025 Kansas Jayhawks

by
Bracket Yard
July 12, 2025

Sitting at number 42 on the CFB Top 50 countdown, with six weeks left until college football, are the 2025 Kansas Jayhawks.

Generally speaking, things have been trending in a positive direction for the Jayhawks under coach Lance Leipold, though 2024 was a bit of a setback. Kansas enters the 2025 season with a very experienced quarterback (sixth year, if you can believe that), a coach who has now been there long enough to have fully implemented his system, and a team that has experienced success recently enough to remember it.

2025 Kansas Jayhawks Basic Facts

Head Coach: Lance Leipold (5th season)

2025 Conference: Big 12

2024 Record: 5-7 (4-5)

Final Resolution of Last Season: Did not qualify for bowl game

2024 Scoring Offensive Rank: 52nd (29.7)

2024 Scoring Defensive Rank: T-75th (26.0)

Kansas Key Additions and Subtractions

IN – Bangally Kamara, linebacker. Transferred from South Carolina.

IN – Adrian Holley, defensive end. Four-star recruit from Indiana.

OUT – Devin Neal, running back. Drafted by New Orleans in 6th round of 2025 Draft.

OUT – Luke Grimm, wide receiver. Undrafted free agent signing by LA Chargers.

Best Game on the Schedule in 2025

October 25 vs. Kansas State. This all-Kansas game could be an important one. The Wildcats seem to be heading for a good season, but can the Jayhawks propel themselves to success of their own with a win? This game is in Lawrence as well, so I would expect them to get up for it.

2025 Kansas Jayhawks: Outlook

Last year was a bit of a letdown for Kansas, who were coming off of a successful 2023 season in which they won a bowl game and finished the season ranked. The 2024 Jayhawks just missed out at 5-7, but hope to bounce back and do something with their 2025 season. Inconsistency was an issue for the 2024 team, but they have the tools to do something respectable with this season. Kansas has new coordinators on both offense and defense, so expect some changes from both units.

Expect to see some flashes of brilliance from Leipold’s team, including from starting quarterback Jalon Daniels, a senior. He threw too many interceptions in 2024, but as his 2022 season showed, he’s got what it takes to put together a strong year – that is, if he can remain healthy. All indications are that he is right now.

If things are going well for Kansas, they’ll start 2-0, though you never know, Fresno State can stun someone out there. Most of the Big 12 schedule is doable – not easy, but doable. There are good teams in there, but perhaps no great ones, at least as it stands today. Kansas is going to have to win some of their more consequential games on the schedule to do something with this season, even if it’s just making a bowl game. There are indications present that Kansas has what it takes to rebound and return to postseason play.