Countdown to Kickoff Day 31: #20 Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks at #20 was certainly not on your bingo card and that's okay, not everyone can be as sharp-minded as I am. I challenge you to sit back and read this article with an open mind so that the Jayhawks don’t surprise you this year, because they comin.

Hiring Lance Leipold is the best decision this football program has made in the 21st century and they better keep him around for years and years to come. He had a tough first season rebuilding this program in 2021, but last year they were on the verge of shocking the Big 12 AND the nation, but then they started to descend as their star QB, Jalon Daniels, suffered an injury against TCU in week six. Kansas was 5-0 before his injury and finished the season at 6-6. Yes, Daniels is that good and guess what? He’s back.

In nine games, Jalon Daniels threw for over 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, only four interceptions, ran for over 400 yards, and added seven touchdowns by foot. He currently sits at +10000 odds to win the Heisman, which is hilarious and worth a sprinkle. As long as this man stays healthy, we should see him throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for close to 800 yards. The defenses they play in the Big 12 are less than stellar and he will absolutely carve him up.

Now, we all know it takes more than one person to be a good football team, and Jalon Daniels will need a great support system if he has any chance of winning the Heisman Trophy. He does. Kansas is bringing back more offensive production than any team in the nation, they have a terrifying backfield in Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr., and will return four of their five offensive lineman from last year with the newbie being a transfer from Wisconsin where offensive lineman are bred. The Jayhawks offense will be the most offense to watch during the 2023 season.

The defense is where this season will be determined. If they are solid, Kansas will win 10 games or more. If they are decent, Kansas will win 8 games or more. If they are bad, Kansas will still go to a bowl. They are bringing back a handful of talent on the defensive side and welcome high level transfers, including JB Brown from LSU.

I love this team and everyone else should too. They will be exciting to watch and easy to root for since they have been historically bad the 12 years before Leipold’s arrival. This is America's Team.

Prediction: 9-3.

How Many Games Will Kansas Win In 2023?

• 9 or more
• 8 or less