Jayhawks likely to head into season with rotation at QB, other positions
By Dee Pinya | @dpinya | August 23, 2027
The Kansas Jayhawks’ coaching staff, led by head coach Jordan McAlary, is taking an unconventional approach as they prepare for their season opener against Texas Tech on September 4, 2027. Despite a full offseason of competition, McAlary and his staff have yet to name a definitive starter at quarterback, opting instead for a rotational plan featuring Isaiah Marshall and Brad Matlock. Marshall, a dynamic dual-threat playmaker, and Matlock, a traditional pocket passer with a big arm, bring contrasting styles to the offense. McAlary has emphasized that the rotation is about playing to their strengths while assessing who can command the offense more effectively in live-game situations. With Texas Tech coming to Lawrence, the Jayhawks hope this strategy will keep their opponents guessing and ignite a productive start to the season.
Kansas head coach Jordan McAlary and his staff are also retooling their approach to the ground game, aiming to utilize a deeper rotation of running backs in 2027. Johnny Thompson Jr., the established starter, remains the centerpiece of the attack after a stellar 2026 season, but the team is determined to reduce the wear and tear on his legs after a grueling 314-carry workload last year. Avery Muamba is set to take on a larger role, providing a dynamic complement to Thompson’s style. Beyond the top two, the Jayhawks are looking to incorporate Tyree Labelle, Glen Jue, and Harry Stewart III into the mix, spreading touches more evenly and keeping the backfield fresh. The coaching staff’s goal is to maintain the potency of their running game while ensuring durability across the long season. With the Red Raiders coming to Lawrence in the opener, Kansas will look to showcase its new multi-faceted backfield approach right out of the gate.
The Kansas Jayhawks are looking for significant growth from their wide receivers and tight ends as they aim to build a more dynamic and explosive passing attack in 2027. Damien Keo returns as the leader of the group after a breakout 2026 season in which he posted 59 receptions for 889 yards and nine touchdowns. Avery Muamba was the only other consistent target, adding 577 yards and three scores on 51 receptions, but no other pass-catcher eclipsed 500 yards. Head coach Jordan McAlary and his staff are determined to stretch the field this year, and blazing-fast transfer Jared Marciano could be a key to unlocking that potential. Though still raw, Marciano’s speed has the coaches excited, and they hope to have a small package of plays ready for him by the season opener. At tight end, Jaden Hamm is eyeing a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2026, while transfer Trey'Dez Green adds a contrasting physical presence. With the expectation of more two-tight end sets, the Jayhawks believe the combination of versatility and fresh faces in the receiving corps could finally elevate their aerial attack to match their potent ground game.
Kansas enters the 2027 season with a retooled offensive line, but early indications from head coach Jordan McAlary and his staff suggest confidence in the group’s potential. While some key pieces from last year’s unit have moved on, the revamped line has shown promise throughout the offseason. Anchored by experienced veterans and bolstered by emerging talent, the Jayhawks’ front five are focused on providing stability for both the revamped quarterback rotation and the deeper running back corps. The coaching staff has praised the group’s work ethic and cohesion during camp, believing they have the versatility and physicality needed to handle the challenges of the Big 12 schedule.
The Kansas offensive line may have undergone significant changes, but the unit is shaping up to be a reliable force heading into the 2027 season. James Livingston has transitioned seamlessly to left tackle, providing a strong blindside protector with his athleticism and technique. Returning starters Carter Lavrusky at right guard and Alex Ball at center bring stability and leadership to the interior. Meanwhile, Martin Rudock has stepped into the left guard role and immediately impressed with his run-blocking prowess, perfectly complementing the physical style of the line's core. At right tackle, Damian Hixon currently holds the starting spot after a strong camp, but Sean Herman remains in contention and could rotate or push for more snaps as the season progresses. Depth is another strength of this group, with Colby Heimburger, Harrison Utley, and Brian Dingle providing quality options off the bench. The coaching staff has lauded the group’s chemistry and versatility, believing they are well-positioned to control the trenches and power Kansas’ balanced offensive attack.
| 2027 Kansas Football Depth Chart - Offense | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Player 1 | Player 2 | Player 3 | |
| WR-X | Damien Keo | Manny Prince | Dominick Beard | |
| WR-Z | Rashard Slay | Austin Dogins | Jake Sharpe | |
| WR-SL | Keaton Kubecka | Jared Marciano | Morgan Cooke | |
| LT | James Livingston | Colby Heimburger | Shaun Cockrill | |
| LG | Carter Lavrusky | Harrison Utley | Brian Vermiglio | |
| C | Alex Ball | Elias Najvar | David Abajian | |
| RG | Martin Rudock | Brian Dingle | Brian Vermiglio | |
| RT | Damian Hixon | Sean Herman | Eric Yearby | |
| TE | Jaden Hamm | Trey'Dez Green | Bobby Berryman | |
| QB | Isaiah Marshall or Brad Matlock | Adonis Saturday | Marco Vigil | |
| RB | Johnny Thompson Jr | Avery Muamba | Tyree Labelle or Glen Jue or Harry Stewart III | |
On the interior, there are more question marks, but plenty of potential. Marcus Calvin and T.J. Harbor are eager for the opportunity to establish themselves as reliable forces in the trenches. Additionally, versatile defensive tackle/fullback Terrelle Warren is expected to contribute to the rotation, bringing physicality and a high motor to the mix. While the interior line remains a work in progress, the combination of elite edge play and promising interior pieces gives Kansas a foundation to build a formidable defensive front.
The Kansas Jayhawks' linebacker corps continues the team's trend of emphasizing versatility and depth, giving the defense the flexibility to adapt to a variety of schemes and opponents. Returning leaders Roddy Orr and Jayvaun Russell anchor the group, bringing experience, playmaking ability, and a strong understanding of the system. Behind them, Seth Sahara, Logan Brantley, and Donte Cantrell are poised to contribute significantly, each offering unique skill sets that allow the unit to show multiple looks. Sahara’s athleticism, Brantley’s physicality, and Cantrell’s instincts provide the defense with a range of options to match up against diverse offensive styles. With such a deep and adaptable group, the Jayhawks are confident their linebackers will play a key role in a defense that aims to be both dynamic and disruptive in 2027.
The Kansas secondary enters the 2027 season with a mix of new faces and returning talent, adjusting to the departures of key players Brian Dilworth and Kaleb Purdy. Jeremiah Moses and Damani Maxson have emerged as the top starters, bringing complementary skills to the defensive backfield. Moses is a steady presence with solid all-around coverage skills, while Maxson boasts blazing speed and excellent hands, making him a playmaker in zone schemes and on deep balls. However, Maxson is still refining his man-coverage technique, an area where Moses and Terrance Yates excel.
Yates, along with Jalen Todd, will see significant playing time in rotation, allowing the Jayhawks to adapt to various offensive threats and tailor their secondary’s approach to specific matchups. The versatility and depth of this group provide hope that the secondary can maintain its effectiveness despite the turnover, especially as the unit grows into its new roles during the season.
On the back end of the Kansas defense, transfer David Tripp has earned the starting nod at one safety spot, stepping in to replace the departed Brian Dilworth. Tripp brings a fresh skill set and valuable experience to the secondary, complementing returning starter Taylor Davis, whose consistency and leadership make him a cornerstone of the defense. The safety group also boasts excellent depth, with Reynaldo Capers and Camren Jenkins ready to step in seamlessly at either position. Both backups have impressed in camp with their versatility and reliability, ensuring that the Jayhawks have the depth to handle the physical demands of the season. With a mix of proven talent and new additions, the safety unit is poised to be a stabilizing force in Kansas’ secondary.
| 2027 Kansas Football Depth Chart - Defense | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Player 1 | Player 2 | Player 3 |
| LE | Greydon Grimes | Hugh Busby | Braxton Slater |
| RE | Tony Terry | Braxton Slater | Hugh Busby |
| DT | Marcus Calvin | T.J. Harbor | Terrelle Warren |
| WILL | Seth Sahara or Logan Brantley | Kaleb Harris | |
| MIKE | Roddy Orr or Jayvaun Russell | Brian Helena | Braylon Friend |
| SAM | Donte Cantrell or Roddy Orr | Richard Paredes | |
| LCB | Jeremiah Moses | Terrance Yates | Jabari Koloamatangi |
| SS | Taylor Davis | Camren Jenkins | Nico Brewer |
| FS | David Tripp | Reynaldo Capers | Emanuel Manuel |
| RCB | Damani Maxson | Jalen Todd | Immanuel Jones |
In the return game, Morgan Cooke and Jared Marciano have been named the primary returners. Cooke was steady in 2026, but his average yardage on kick and punt returns left room for improvement. The electrifying speed of Marciano could provide the spark Kansas needs to flip field position and create big-play opportunities in 2027. Special teams may remain a work in progress, but the potential for growth is there as the season unfolds.
| 2026 Kansas Football Depth Chart – Special Teams | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| POS | Player 1 | Player 2 | |
| P | Anthony Newson | Rakkim Darby | |
| K | Shaq Durham | ||
| KO | Shaq Durham | ||
| PR | Morgan Cooke | Jared Marciano | |
| KR | Morgan Cooke | Jared Marciano | |
