Anonymous Big 12 coach sees Jalon Daniels' health as biggest question keeping Kansas from next step

In recent seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks have become a more consistent program and been a team in the Big 12 consistently on the verge of breaking through. Now, the experienced combination of head coach Lance Leipold and quarterback Jalon Daniels would love to take a major step forward next season.

A problem getting over the hump for Kansas has been Daniels’ health. With that in mind, a Big 12 coach spoke to Athlon anonymously about the Jayhawks. They explained that it’s Daniels’ health that’s going to play a major role for Kansas in 2025.

“You see a lot of holes when it comes to returning production,” the Big 12 coach said. “But I wouldn’t rule out a bigger step forward this season if [Jalon] Daniels is healthy. He’s a star player, and they really thrive off of him.”

For his career, Jalon Daniels has played in 37 games over five previous seasons and has a 61.3 completion percentage for 6,751 passing yards and 45 passing touchdowns. He also has 1,041 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. However, injuries have become an issue. That’s included a shoulder injury in 2022 and a back injury in 2023.

Daniels would get off to a slow start in 2024, which went along with the slow start that Kansas suffered as a team. Even winning four of their final six games, the Jayhawks missed out on a bowl, going 5-7. Even with that, Big 12 coaches are confident in Kansas. One even said, “I wouldn’t pick against Lance [Leipold] when they’re bringing back a veteran quarterback with a really solid line and a good defense.”

None of that is to say that Kansas is a sure thing in 2025. Those injury concerns for Jalon Daniels are very real. There are also some questions to answer at the other offensive skill positions this season.

“If they can find some receivers coming out of camp, they’re going to be a very tough team to play,” a Big 12 coach said. “And might surprise some people.”

Kansas is set to open the season on August 23rd against Fresno State. They’ll later begin Big 12 play on September 20th at home against West Virginia. By that time, the Jayhawks will have a lot of answers about their viability as a competitor in 2025.

“On paper, they’re not a top-end team in the league,” a coach said. “They’re replacing a lot at receiver, tight end and linebacker, but this program gets the most out of what they’ve got.”