Kansas Jayhawks Stats, Roster, Picks & More

The Kansas Jayhawks have emerged as a compelling team for college football bettors. Under the guidance of head coach Lance Leipold, the Jayhawks have shown significant improvement, making them a team to watch in the Big 12 Conference. 

This page offers an in-depth look at the Kansas Jayhawks, including their historical background, recent performance statistics, current roster insights, injury updates, betting trends, and key players to consider for prop bets. Whether you’re a novice bettor or have some experience, this guide aims to provide valuable information to enhance your betting decisions.
kansas jayhawks

Picks and Predictions for the Jayhawks

Even the most experienced bettors need a second opinion. That’s why many NCAAF bettors trust the picks from ScoresandStats.com. Before you start putting money on the Jayhawks this season, check out the picks we’ve published:

CFB
2025-08-23 12:00
Open
IOWA STATE
KANSAS STATE
CFB
2025-08-23 19:30
Open
STANFORD
HAWAII
CFB
2025-08-29 20:00
Open
GEORGIA TECH
COLORADO
CFB
2025-08-30 15:30
Open
ALABAMA
FLORIDA STATE
CFB
2025-08-30 22:30
Open
HAWAII
ARIZONA
CFB
2025-09-01 20:00
Open
TCU
NORTH CAROLINA

If you want to explore the full roster of NCAAF picks and insights, consider signing up at ScoresandStats.com. Our team of handicappers have years of experience betting on college ball, and publish picks all season long. Craving expert game breakdowns? Dive into our NCAAF previews for all the play-by-play.

Kansas Jayhawks History

The Kansas Jayhawks football program, established in 1890, is one of the oldest in college football. Over the years, the team has experienced various periods of success and challenges. Notably, the Jayhawks achieved significant success in the late 1960s and early 2000s, including a memorable 12-1 season in 2007 that culminated in an Orange Bowl victory.​

Despite facing difficulties in subsequent years, the program has shown resilience and a commitment to rebuilding. The hiring of Lance Leipold as head coach in 2021 marked a turning point, bringing renewed energy and strategic direction to the team. Under his leadership, the Jayhawks have been working towards consistent competitiveness in the Big 12 Conference.​

The team’s home games are played at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, a venue rich in history and tradition. As the Jayhawks continue to develop under Coach Leipold, they aim to build a program that not only competes but thrives in the competitive landscape of college football.​ Want a full roster deep-dive? Visit our NCAAF team hub for stats, depth charts, and insider intel.

Kansas Jayhawks Timeline

  • 1890: Kansas Jayhawks football program is established.
  • 1908: Achieved an undefeated season.
  • 1961: Won the Big Eight Conference title.
  • 1969: Participated in the Orange Bowl.
  • 1992: Joined the newly formed Big 12 Conference.
  • 2007: Completed a 12-1 season, winning the Orange Bowl.
  • 2008: Secured a victory in the Insight Bowl.
  • 2010: Faced a challenging season with a 3-9 record.
  • 2015: Endured a winless season (0-12).
  • 2021: Lance Leipold is appointed as head coach.
  • 2022: Achieved bowl eligibility for the first time since 2008.
  • 2023: Continued progress under Coach Leipold’s leadership.​

Kansas Jayhawks Stats (2024 Season)

In the 2024 season, the Kansas Jayhawks finished with a 5-7 overall record and a 4-5 record in the Big 12 Conference. Offensively, the team averaged 29.7 points per game, ranking 52nd nationally, and accumulated an average of 420.8 total yards per game. The rushing attack was particularly effective, averaging 211.4 yards per game, placing them 21st nationally. However, the passing game averaged 209.6 yards per game, indicating room for improvement.​

Defensively, the Jayhawks allowed an average of 26.0 points per game, ranking 76th nationally. The defense struggled against the pass, conceding an average of 249.3 passing yards per game, which ranked 105th nationally. Improving pass defense will be a key focus moving forward.

Special teams showed promise, with a field goal conversion rate of 80.00%, ranking 42nd nationally. Additionally, the team maintained discipline, averaging only 4.7 penalties per game, placing them 16th nationally in that category.​ Stay one step ahead of the bookies—check out our latest college football picks and ride the winners.

Kansas Jayhawks Roster for 2025

The 2025 Kansas Jayhawks roster features a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. Key returning players include quarterback Jalon Daniels, who, despite dealing with injuries, brings leadership and playmaking ability to the offense. Running back Devin Neal is expected to continue his strong performance, providing a reliable rushing option. Wide receivers Lawrence Arnold and Luke Grimm offer dependable targets in the passing game.​

On the defensive side, linebacker JB Brown and cornerback Cobee Bryant are anticipated to be pivotal in strengthening the defense. The team also welcomes new talent, including recruits and transfers, aiming to add depth and competitiveness across all positions​.

Kansas Jayhawks Injury Report

As of the latest updates, quarterback Jalon Daniels underwent minor knee surgery and is expected to be limited during spring practices. His recovery will be crucial for the team’s offensive success in the upcoming season. Overall, the team has managed to avoid significant injuries, allowing for continuity in preparation.

Before you start betting on the Jayhawks, make sure you check out the injury report:

Player: /sport/football/player:178006
Location: Undisclosed Start Date: 2024-11-21 Status: questionable Display Status: Questionable
Note: Arnold is dealing with an undisclosed injury, and it is unclear if he will play Saturday versus Colorado, November 23rd.
Player: /sport/football/player:207169
Location: Undisclosed Start Date: 2024-11-11 Status: questionable Display Status: Questionable
Note: Ballard is nursing an undisclosed injury, and it is unknown if he will be active against next contest.
Player: /sport/football/player:177970
Location: Achilles Start Date: 2024-09-14 Status: out Display Status: Out indefinitely
Note: Hanika will miss an extended period due to an achilles injury, and a timetable for return has yet to be established.
Player: /sport/football/player:178023
Location: Illness Start Date: 2024-09-13 Status: out Display Status: Out Fri
Note: Hishaw Jr. is ailing from illness, and he is not expected to suit up for Friday’s tilt against UNLV.
Player: /sport/football/player:207249
Location: Undisclosed Start Date: 2024-09-02 Status: out Display Status: day-to-day
Note: Kubecka is battling a undisclosed injury, and he is not projected to be active for Saturday’s clash against UNLV.
Player: /sport/football/player:137210
Location: Head Start Date: 2023-11-11 Status: probable Display Status: Prob Sat
Note: Bean was held out of the previous battle with a head injury, but it is not expected to impact his status for Saturday’s battle against Cincinnati.
Player: /sport/football/player:144649
Location: Undisclosed Start Date: 2023-08-02 Status: out Display Status: out for season
Note: Conaway is out of commission due to an injury to an unlisted location, and he will miss the entire season.

As the Kansas Jayhawks continue to evolve under Coach Lance Leipold, several betting trends have emerged that are noteworthy for the 2025 season. Understanding these patterns can offer bettors strategic advantages when placing wagers on Jayhawks games.​

Home Field Advantage

The Jayhawks have demonstrated a solid performance at home, achieving a 4-2 record at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium during the 2024 season, translating to a 66.7% win rate. This home-field success is further emphasized by their ability to cover the first-quarter spread in all of their last four home games, yielding a +4.05 Units / 85% ROI. Bettors should consider the Jayhawks’ strong starts at home when evaluating first-quarter lines.​ Upgrade to pro-level insights—lock in our premium picks today and tip the scales in your favor.

Rushing Attack

Kansas’ offense has been notably effective on the ground, averaging 201.3 rushing yards per game, ranking them 16th nationally. Running back Devin Neal has been a standout performer, averaging 7.4 yards per carry, including 5.6 yards after contact. This potent rushing attack controls the game’s tempo and opens up opportunities for bettors to explore player prop bets, such as rushing yard totals and first touchdown scorer markets.

Defensive Improvements

While the Jayhawks’ defense faced challenges in the 2024 season, allowing an average of 28.1 points per game, efforts have been made to bolster this unit. The secondary, led by players like Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson, has shown promise, aiming to reduce the 249.3 passing yards allowed per game. Bettors should monitor the defense’s progression, as improvements could influence betting strategies, particularly concerning over/under totals.

If you bet on the Jayhawks last season, perhaps you noticed these trends play out. These are the trends our handicappers used to place winning wagers. 

  • Against the Spread (ATS): The Jayhawks had a mixed record ATS, covering in games where they were underdogs, particularly at home. Bettors found success backing Kansas in these scenarios.​
  • Over/Under Totals: Kansas games often went over the projected totals, especially when facing teams with high-powered offenses. This trend was influenced by both their offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities.​
  • First Half Performance: The team showed a tendency to start strong, making first-half bets on Kansas appealing in certain matchups. This trend is worth monitoring for early-game betting opportunities.

Key Players for Betting on the Kansas Jayhawks

If you’re planning on betting on the Jayhawks, consider starting with player props. The team has a robust roster, and there are a handful of key players that make for good bets:

Jalon Daniels (QB)

Returning for his senior season, Jalon Daniels is the engine of Kansas’ offense. In 2024, he threw for 2,454 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 447 yards and 6 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Daniels’ ability to impact the game both through the air and on the ground makes him a prime candidate for various player prop bets, including passing yards, rushing yards, and total touchdowns. Bettors should monitor his health status, as his performance is pivotal to the Jayhawks’ offensive success.​

Devin Neal (RB)

Devin Neal led the Jayhawks’ rushing attack in 2024 with 1,266 yards and 16 touchdowns on 219 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. His consistent production and nose for the end zone make him an attractive option for rushing yard and touchdown props. Neal’s performance often sets the tone for Kansas’ offense, and favorable matchups against weaker run defenses could present profitable betting opportunities.

Lawrence Arnold (WR)

As a senior wide receiver, Lawrence Arnold contributed 360 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 26 receptions in 2024. While his numbers may not jump off the page, Arnold’s role in the offense provides value in reception and receiving yard props, especially in games where Kansas is expected to pass more frequently. His experience and rapport with Daniels could lead to increased targets in critical situations.​

Cobee Bryant (CB)

Cobee Bryant was a standout in Kansas’ secondary, earning a 90 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 25, reflecting his on-field impact. While defensive players are less commonly featured in prop bets, Bryant’s ability to disrupt opposing passing games can influence betting lines, particularly in over/under totals and opponent passing yard props. His presence may lead to lower offensive outputs from opposing receivers, making under bets more appealing.​

JB Brown (LB)

Linebacker JB Brown finished third on the team in total tackles in 2023, recording 57 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His knack for making impactful plays can shift game momentum and affect scoring dynamics. While individual defensive stats are less commonly bet on, Brown’s influence on the game’s flow can be a factor in betting on total points and team performance.​

Kansas Jayhawks Summary

The Kansas Jayhawks are a program on the rise, blending experienced leadership with explosive talent on both sides of the ball. With Jalon Daniels back under center and Devin Neal anchoring a strong rushing game, Kansas has the potential to be one of the more profitable mid-tier teams for college football bettors. Their recent improvements at home, dominance on the ground, and continued defensive development all point to a team that offers value in the betting markets—especially for those tracking trends and exploiting matchup-based opportunities. Track the hottest handicappers live on our leaderboard.

Whether you’re eyeing point spreads, totals, or player props, staying informed on Kansas’ performance and injury updates is key to gaining an edge. To take your betting experience to the next level, consider signing up for a premium service like ScoresandStats.com. With expert picks, deep analytics, and updated insights all season long, it’s the perfect resource for anyone looking to bet smarter on the Jayhawks—and beyond.

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