Lance Leipold on Kansas being ranked in preseason: 'We need to embrace these type of things'

Monday brought us the first preseason poll of the 2024 college football season, with the USA Today Coaches Poll being released. Kansas head coach Lance Leipold found his team just inside the top 25, being ranked No. 24. A huge honor for the program in what could be a big year for the Jayhawks.

Leipold reacted to Kansas earning a spot in the poll, saying it’s something they need to embrace. Not too long ago, the Jayhawks were considered one of the worst power conference teams. Now, they are thought highly enough of to earn a spot in the Coaches Poll.

“The football program has been through a decade of tough times,” Leipold said Monday during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show. “So, we need to embrace these types of things and be proud of them.”

While the AP poll has not yet been released, Kansas has a chance to feature there as well. If so, it will be the school’s first preseason appearance in the poll since 2009. From then to now, Kansas went through some dark times with four head coaches before Leipold took over.

The 2010s brought just 21 wins in Lawrence. Three was the highest single-season total while 2015 produced no victories. So while being a preseason-ranked team may not be a huge accomplishment at some places, Leipold wants to celebrate the accomplishment.

Not for too long, though. With those expectations, Kansas now needs to go onto the field and perform. When discussing favorites to win the Big 12, you will hear a few people bring up KU. In Leipold’s eyes, going out and performing is more important than any number to the left of your name on a scorebug.

“Again, you can’t hang your hat on them because as quickly as that came out, I got a text saying that somebody already rated us as one of the more overrated teams in that top 25 poll.

“So, it brings you back to earth quite quickly and gets back to what it’s all about. That is — you got to go out, each and every day during camp, work to get better, prepare, and then go out on Saturday — or whatever day you’re playing — and play your best football.”

Kansas will begin the season on Aug. 29 with a game against Lindenwood. From there, 10 power conference opponents are on the schedule plus Nevada out of the Mountain West.