The Kansas Jayhawks enter the 2025 season with optimism and a clear sense of urgency, seeking to bounce back from a disappointing 5–7 record in 2024 and reclaim the upward trajectory that head coach Lance Leipold established in his early tenure. Though the Jayhawks fell short of bowl eligibility last season, they pulled off multiple wins over ranked opponents, showcasing their potential and resilience in big moments—particularly in Lawrence, where their home-field advantage continues to grow in significance. Quarterback Jalon Daniels remains the centerpiece of Kansas’ offense, provided he’s fully healthy, bringing dual-threat capabilities and veteran poise that can elevate the unit’s efficiency in both the passing and run games. If Daniels is unable to go, sophomore backup Cole Ballard or another emerging talent from Leipold’s quarterback room will need to step up quickly, especially with new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes implementing a simplified yet aggressive scheme tailored for tempo and play-action effectiveness. The Jayhawks return a dynamic backfield led by Devin Neal, whose blend of vision and burst makes him one of the Big 12’s most underrated weapons, and Daniel Hishaw Jr., a punishing runner who thrives in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The offensive line, anchored by Mike Novitsky and Ar’maj Reed-Adams, is one of the most experienced in the conference and will be key in establishing early rhythm against a Fresno State defense that struggled with run fits in 2024.

At receiver, Lawrence Arnold and Quentin Skinner provide size and reliable hands on the outside, while Luke Grimm offers route precision and versatility in the slot. Defensively, Kansas must shore up a unit that was inconsistent last year, particularly in tackling and red-zone stands, but there are reasons for optimism. Returning starters like safety O.J. Burroughs and linebacker Rich Miller bring leadership, while defensive linemen Jereme Robinson and Tommy Dunn Jr. offer disruptive potential up front. Special teams are expected to be a strength, with kicker Seth Keller and punter Damon Greaves both back after solid 2024 campaigns, and the return game should benefit from improved blocking schemes and a deeper pool of athletic returners. With the newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium set to host its first game of the season, the energy in Lawrence should be electric, and the team will look to use that momentum to dictate the game’s pace from the opening drive. Kansas’ path to covering the spread lies in starting fast, avoiding turnovers, and winning early-down efficiency to put Fresno State on its heels. If the Jayhawks can force the Bulldogs into a more aggressive game script and prevent them from shortening the game with time-consuming drives, the offensive firepower and defensive athleticism should be enough to put the game away in the second half. This opener is more than a tune-up—it’s an opportunity for Kansas to show that last year’s struggles were an anomaly and that this team is ready to compete for a top-half finish in the new-look Big 12.