Kansas Jayhawks vs Oklahoma State Cowboys Picks and Predictions November 1st 2025

Game Preview: Kansas vs Oklahoma State

The Kansas Jayhawks look to rebound from a rivalry loss and move closer to bowl eligibility when they host the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas.

The Jayhawks (4-4, 2-3 Big 12) have alternated wins and losses most of the season, showing flashes of potential but lacking consistency. Coach Lance Leipold, now in his fifth year, guided Kansas to bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023, and he’s aiming to make it three in four seasons.

To get there, Kansas needs better execution after a humbling 42-17 defeat to Kansas State. The Jayhawks turned the ball over four times and were outgained by 124 yards. Quarterback Jalon Daniels struggled, completing just 17 of 35 passes for 129 yards and one interception. Running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. managed 67 yards and a touchdown but found little running room against a stout Wildcats front.

Oklahoma State (1-7, 0-5) continues a difficult rebuild under interim coach Doug Meacham. The Cowboys are winless since September and coming off a 42-0 shutout loss to Texas Tech, their seventh straight defeat.

With bowl hopes long gone, Meacham plans to evaluate young talent down the stretch, including linebacker Carl’veon Young and wide receiver Matrail Lopez. “We’ll have an infusion of some freshmen,” Meacham said. “Some guys that haven’t played will play in the last four games and still garner a redshirt.”

Line Movement and Odds

Kansas opened as a 17.5-point home favorite, and the line has held steady. The total sits around 49.5 after slight early action on the over. The Jayhawks are 3-1 at home this season, while the Cowboys are winless (0-4) on the road.

Check live odds, movement, and projections on the college football odds board and compare expert analysis on the NCAAF picks page.

Kansas Jayhawks Outlook

The Kansas Jayhawks remain a dangerous offensive team when Jalon Daniels and the running game are in rhythm. Daniels has thrown for 1,472 yards and nine touchdowns this season, though his accuracy and decision-making have wavered in recent weeks.

Daniel Hishaw Jr. continues to be the engine of the Jayhawks’ ground game, averaging 5.1 yards per carry with seven touchdowns. Wide receiver Lawrence Arnold leads the team with 523 receiving yards, but Kansas needs better efficiency in the red zone and fewer turnovers to close out drives.

Defensively, Kansas has been inconsistent — strong against weaker offenses but vulnerable against physical run games. The Jayhawks rank middle of the Big 12 in both yards allowed and takeaways, an area they must improve before facing stronger late-season competition.

Kansas Injury Report

• Jalon Daniels (QB) – Probable (Back)
• Devin Neal (RB) – Questionable (Shoulder)
• Luke Grimm (WR) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
• Mason Fairchild (TE) – Out (Knee)

Oklahoma State Cowboys Outlook

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are enduring one of their worst offensive seasons in recent memory. They’ve scored just 12.8 points per game during their seven-game losing streak and have rotated quarterbacks to little success.

Sam Jackson V and Noah Walters combined for only 87 passing yards last week against Texas Tech. The offensive line has struggled in pass protection, and the rushing game hasn’t been able to offset it despite flashes from Trent Howland, who leads the team with 448 rushing yards.

Defensively, Oklahoma State has been overworked due to frequent three-and-outs. The Cowboys allow over 34 points per game and have struggled to generate consistent pressure or takeaways. Their youth movement — with freshmen and sophomores seeing expanded roles — could lead to improvement, but growing pains are inevitable.

Oklahoma State Injury Report

• Gunnar Gundy (QB) – Out (Shoulder)
• Ollie Gordon II (RB) – Questionable (Ankle)
• Jaden Bray (WR) – Out (Undisclosed)
• Kendal Daniels (S) – Questionable (Knee)

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

Kansas’ running game against Oklahoma State’s front seven will likely decide the game. If Hishaw and Neal establish rhythm early, it will open passing lanes for Daniels and give the Jayhawks control of tempo.

Oklahoma State must find a way to protect its quarterbacks and limit turnovers to stay competitive. For a team averaging fewer than 250 total yards per game in conference play, time of possession and field position will be crucial.

If Kansas avoids self-inflicted mistakes, its balanced offense should dominate at home against an inexperienced Cowboys defense.

Betting Trends

• Kansas is 5-1 straight up in its last six home games.
• The Jayhawks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Big 12 home games.
• Oklahoma State is 0-7 straight up in its last seven games.
• The Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games as underdogs.
• The over is 6-2 in Kansas’ last eight games following a loss.

Prediction

Kansas has everything to play for, while Oklahoma State is already looking to 2026. Expect a heavy dose of the run game, a few deep shots off play-action, and a bounce-back effort from the Jayhawks’ defense.

Projected Score: Kansas 34, Oklahoma State 13
Best Bet: Kansas -17.5
Total Lean: Over 49.5

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