Jalon Daniels injury update: Lance Leipold gives latest status of Kansas QB

The Kansas Jayhawks got a boost this offseason when it was announced that starting quarterback Jalon Daniels would be returning for a sixth season with the program. However, he’s returning with an injury that he’s working to overcome this offseason.

This offseason, Jalon Daniels was forced to have surgery on his knee. It was reportedly a minor procedure, and it was always expected that this would limit him in spring practice. Now, with spring practice underway, head coach Lance Leipold addressed where Daniels is at in his recovery. He also made sure to confirm that Daniels is currently limited.

“He’s starting to do a few things,” Lance Leipold said. “We’re able to get him out there in some controlled situations. He’s on a throwing program right now and we’ll continue to see what little bits we can implement him down the stretch, but progressing in every way that he’s supposed to be.”

When he’s been healthy at Kansas, Daniels has had plenty of success. In 37 career games, he has completed 61.3 percent of passes for 6,751 yards and 45 touchdowns. On top of that, he’s rushed for 1,041 yards and another 19 touchdowns.

The problem for Daniels is that he often hasn’t been able to stay on the field. His 12 games played in 2024 were the most of his career. He’d previously failed to play in more than nine games in a season. In 2023, he was held to just three games of action. In the past, that included injuries to his back and shoulder. He seemed to still be dealing with issues early in 2024, before improving later in the season as he got more comfortable.

It’s unclear when Daniels’ knee injury became an issue that Kansas would need to address via surgery. However, news of the procedure became public in the first week of February.

Given his age and talent, there were questions about the future for Jalon Daniels. He had the option to turn professional or potentially transfer following the 2024 season. However, instead, he was able to re-work his NIL deal with Kansas and stay for his sixth college season.

“Kansas has been my home, my family, and my foundation,” Daniels wrote in his announcement. “This journey has been nothing short of incredible, but we’re not done yet. The work continues, and the best is still ahead.”

Kansas is coming off a 5-7 season where they missed out on a bowl game for the first time since 2021. Expectations have been raised for Leipold and Daniels in 2025, so getting ready for Week 0 against Fresno State.