Jalon Daniels’ journey at Kansas has been a rollercoaster ride, blending flashes of brilliance with frustrating setbacks due to injuries. Fans have seen glimpses of his immense talent, yet consistency has eluded him, making it challenging to fully appreciate what he brings to the table.
From the outset, Daniels has often been positioned as a potential savior for a program in search of resurgence. While that’s a lot to place on anyone’s shoulders, there’s truth in the idea that he, along with Devin Neal and head coach Lance Leipold, has become synonymous with this revitalized Kansas football team.
Now entering his sixth season—thanks to the extra year provided by COVID-19 and a previously taken medical redshirt—Daniels has featured in only 37 games across five seasons. When he’s on the field, his performance speaks volumes.
However, we can’t ignore the rocky patches, particularly last season’s four-game stretch where things fell apart. Following a lopsided victory against Lindenwood, where his impact was felt only faintly, Daniels and the Jayhawks faced a tough road ahead. In those four consecutive losses, he struggled to find his rhythm, completing just 52% of his passes while tossing seven interceptions against four touchdowns. Those turnovers were particularly costly, often coming in critical moments during the first half and fourth quarter. All told, he managed only 657 yards during that disheartening sequence.
The tide turned in the subsequent six games, a streak that included impressive victories over ranked opponents. Daniels rediscovered his form, throwing for 1,369 yards and hitting a 61% completion rate, with nine touchdowns versus a mere two interceptions, all contributing to a 4-2 record.
Yet, even in moments of triumph, there were setbacks. A fumble during a late scramble against K-State and a lackluster performance against Baylor in the season finale highlighted the challenges that still loom large over his tenure. With the opportunity for a bowl game slipping away, Daniels faced the harsh reality of not being able to carry the Jayhawks to the finish line.
So, as we look ahead to his final season, what can fans realistically expect from Daniels? Health will be paramount. If he can maintain his fitness, being the vocal leader and minimizing those late-game miscues will be essential. But the situation is complicated by the loss of key offensive players.
The departures of wide receivers Lawrence Aronold, Luke Grim, Quentin Skinner, and Trevor Wilson, as well as tight ends Trevor Kardell and Jared Casey, leave a significant void. Then there’s star running back Devin Neal, a hometown hero whose absence will be felt deeply. This cadre of players played pivotal roles in that turnaround, and their exit raises genuine concerns about who will step up in their absence.
Looking at the returning roster, Doug Emilien, Mack Moeller, and Daniel Hishaw Jr. are the only players with any significant catches last season—totaling just seven receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. That’s a daunting return on the production front as the Jayhawks gear up for the new campaign.
Kansas has brought in some new talent, including transfer Emmanuel Henderson Jr. from Alabama, who has struggled to make an impact previously, alongside Cam Pickett from Ball State, who showed more promise with 49 catches for 528 yards. The addition of Levi Wentz, who racked up 40 receptions for 621 yards at Albany, could also provide depth, but like the others, they’re all adjusting to a new system. Then there’s Bryson Canty, who had a stellar season at Columbia with 43 catches and nine touchdowns; he represents exciting potential, but again, all are unproven in the high-stakes environment of major college football.
Kansas does have some promising redshirt sophomores, freshmen, and true freshmen on the roster, but the bar set by the outgoing players will be tough to reach. Meanwhile, the running game should alleviate some pressure on Daniels, but replacing someone like Neal is no small task. Redshirt senior Daniel Hishaw Jr. has shown promise, rushing for 1,493 yards and 18 touchdowns over the years, but his injury history is a concern. The addition of Iowa transfer Leshon Williams, who posted 1,323 rushing yards as a Hawkeye, should bolster the backfield.
Let’s not forget Daniels’ own contributions as a dual-threat quarterback. His 1,041 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns highlight just how versatile he can be.
In terms of legacy, Daniels currently ranks second in Kansas’ football history for both passing yards and touchdowns—although catching Todd Reesing in those categories is unlikely. Still, a standout final season could carve out a significant place in Jayhawks lore for Daniels, much like Reesing did, as he attempts to help elevate the program from its recent struggles.
Fans have good reason to feel hopeful. If Daniels can stay healthy and if the new receiving corps steps up, his final year at Kansas could be a thrilling chapter in his story—a season where his undeniable talent finally translates into consistent success on the field
