The Kansas Jayhawks step into 2025 carrying something they haven’t had in years: real expectations. With their stadium finally revamped, a confident senior quarterback returning, and the memory of a roller-coaster 2024 still fresh, Kansas is no longer a team the Big 12 can overlook.
The question isn’t whether the Jayhawks can compete; it’s whether they can truly shake up a conference that’s grown accustomed to treating them as underdogs. And if history tells us anything, underdogs love to bite back.
Measuring the Mood: What the Odds Say
This season, oddsmakers give Kansas an intriguing label: dangerous outsiders. Futures price the Kansas Jayhawks odds currently at around +1600 to win the Big 12. That’s not favorable territory, but it is profound respect for a program once written off as a perennial rebuild.
In other words: Sportbooks are not crowning Kansas champions, but they’re certainly not dismissing them either. For a program that has clawed its way back into relevance, that’s a storyline in itself. In this article, we will focus on three key players and a key matchup that could tilt the odds in the Jayhawks’ favor.
Jalon Daniels: The Difference-Maker
Every contender needs a leader, and Kansas has one in Jalon Daniels. Back for his senior year, he’s the kind of quarterback who changes expectations the moment he steps on the field.
Dual-threat quarterbacks often get praised for versatility, but Daniels brings more than that; he brings poise. With over 2,400 passing yards and 14 touchdowns last season, plus nearly 450 on the ground, he gives defenses sleepless nights.
What sets Daniels apart is his ability to rise in big moments. He thrives under pressure, turning broken plays into highlight reels and close games into statement wins.
His leadership extends beyond the huddle as well, inspiring younger players to elevate their game. Simply put, when Daniels shines, Kansas believes.
Daniel Hishaw Jr.: The Steady Hammer
Behind every great quarterback, there’s a running back who makes the defense honest. Enter Daniel Hishaw Jr., who averaged nearly six yards a carry last season. He doesn’t just move chains; he sets the tone physically.
Hishaw’s north-south style softens defenses for Daniels’ play-action throws and keeps Kansas in control of tempo. His consistency is the kind of hidden weapon that championship runs are built on.
Hishaw also brings resilience. After battling through injuries earlier in his career, he has developed a toughness that defines his playing style. He grinds out tough yards, refuses to go down on first contact, and energizes teammates with his effort. For Kansas, he is more than reliable; he is essential.
Bryson Canty: The Reliable Target
Receivers can sometimes vanish in big games. Bryson Canty doesn’t. Heading into his senior season, Canty gives Daniels a trusted safety net on key downs. His ability to create separation in tight windows will be vital, especially in matchups where Kansas faces elite secondaries. A quarterback is only as good as his go-to target, and Canty is poised to play that role.
Canty also adds leadership to a young receiving corps, setting the tone in practice with his work ethic and composure. He isn’t just a possession receiver; he has the burst to stretch defenses when opportunities appear. If Kansas wants to stay balanced, Canty’s reliability and versatility make him indispensable.
One Rivalry That Can Define It All: Missouri
Circle September 6 in bold red ink. Kansas travels to Columbia to face Missouri in the Border War, and this isn’t just another early-season game; it’s personal.
The rivalry is one of the oldest in college football, and the emotion around it could fuel Kansas’ entire campaign. Beat Missouri on the road, and Kansas doesn’t just add a win to its record; it sends a thunderous message that the Jayhawks are more than a mid-tier Big 12 team. Lose it, and the skeptics have their “told you so” moment before conference play even heats up.
This game has season-defining energy written all over it. Rivalries have a funny way of shaping narratives, and Kansas knows it.
Why the Jayhawks Are Suddenly Dangerous
There are several reasons why sportsbooks are optimistic about the Jayhawks this season.
Momentum Matters: A sparkling new home stadium creates an atmosphere no Big 12 visitor wants to face.
Quarterback Continuity: In an era of transfer chaos, having Daniels locked in for a senior year is a rare luxury.
Balanced Offense: With Daniels, Hishaw, and Canty, Kansas isn’t one-dimensional. They can pound the run or stretch the field.
Favorable Early Slate: Games against Fresno State and Wagner provide an opportunity to build momentum before the conference gauntlet begins.
The Jayhawks are no longer winning by luck or smoke and mirrors. They are built with layers, and that’s what scares opponents.
The Challenges They Can’t Ignore
Of course, Big 12 life isn’t a fairy tale. The Jayhawks still face hurdles:
- A Brutal Road Map: Trips to UCF, Iowa State, and Arizona will test their endurance,
- Coaching Adjustments: With Jim Zebrowski taking over as offensive coordinator, early chemistry will be critical,
- Raised Expectations: After years of flying under the radar, Kansas is learning that pressure comes with progress.
Winning isn’t just about talent, it’s about handling the grind week after week. That’s the next step for Kansas.
Ready to Shock the System?
Kansas football has lived in the shadows long enough. In 2025, the Jayhawks finally stand tall, armed with veterans, a coach who knows how to win, and a fan base ready to believe.
The Big 12 may not be prepared for it, but Kansas is. If Daniels leads like he can, Hishaw keeps defenses on edge, and Canty delivers when it matters most, the Jayhawks won’t just compete; they’ll surprise.
The question isn’t whether Kansas belongs. It’s whether the rest of the Big 12 is ready for them.
*Content reflects information available as of 2025/08/19; subject to change.
