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Depth chart analysis: The things that matter from Monday's release
- Isaiah Marshall won Kansas's starting quarterback job and is viewed by Lance Leipold as enabling the offense's most complete form, but Cole Ballard is still expected to play without a fixed series rotation or quick hook.
- Dylan Edwards and Yasin Willis will form a high-usage one-two backfield with complementary versatile and power styles, while extended absences for Kory Amachree and Justin Thurman's season-ending injury leave little margin for another injury.
- Cam Pickett did not practice Monday and is uncertain for the opener, with Kansas considering more tight-end or running-back personnel and increased snaps for Keaton Kubecka or Nahzae Cox if he cannot play.
- Alex Bray and camp standout David Santiago are both expected to play at STUD end, while starting tackle Eamon Smalls has managed a knee injury throughout the preseason and remains especially important for the Missouri matchup.
- Kansas settled on Calvin Clements, Amir Herring, Kasen Carpenter, Tavake Tuikolovatu and Nick Morrow as its starting offensive line, but Morrow entered mock-game week banged up and the staff may rotate from a trusted top eight.
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Andy Kotelnicki talks quarterback situation, breaks down offense
- Kansas chose Isaiah Marshall over Cole Ballard at quarterback because Marshall adds a different athletic dimension, not because Ballard performed poorly during the competition.
- Dylan Edwards and Yasin Williams will share Kansas's running-back workload and can appear together in selected packages, while Kory Amachree will miss an extended period.
- Cam Pickett is questionable entering the opener, and Kansas plans to rotate its available transfer and returning receivers rather than rely on a fixed group.
- Lingering fall-camp injuries mean several Kansas position groups may open the season without a settled or consistently available starting combination.
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Podcast: Reasons for Optimism About KU Football in 2026 | Pay Heed 8/26
- Carson Bruin is back fully healthy after a foot injury limited him last season, adding an experienced option to the 2026 offense.
- The hosts view Kansas as deeper and more experienced at the skill positions, particularly at running back, where Jalen Dupree is positioned as the replacement for departed production.
- Christian Pritchew has generated fall-camp buzz, while veteran Jaden Harris brings experience from Miami and Georgia.
- Returning players Roy Harris and Alex Bray, plus transfer Said Gibbs, give Kansas more experienced depth than it carried into last season.
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