Kansas Football Camp Update: Leipold Names Standouts, AP Poll Released as Season Nears

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LAWRENCE, Kan. — With just 11 days until the Kansas Jayhawks open their season against Fresno State, head coach Lance Leipold’s team is deep into fall camp, and storylines are starting to take shape. From national rankings to position battles, here’s the latest from Lawrence.

Kansas Left Out of Preseason AP Top 25

The Associated Press released its 2025 preseason Top 25 on Monday, and Kansas was absent from the list. While the Jayhawks will begin the year unranked, several Big 12 opponents cracked the poll: Kansas State at No. 17, Iowa State at No. 22, and Texas Tech at No. 23.

It’s a different position from last year, when KU entered the season ranked No. 22 nationally — the program’s first preseason ranking since 2009.

Greg McElroy Predicts a Bounce-Back Year

Despite a disappointing finish in 2024, ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy believes the Jayhawks could turn close losses into wins this fall.

“It’s like everything that could go wrong did… five losses by six points or less,” McElroy said. “Sometimes that has a way of overcorrecting the following year… they learn how to finish games, avoid the critical mistake, and become a much better team.”

McElroy credited Leipold’s offseason transfer portal haul as another reason for optimism in 2025.

Camp Standouts Emerging

Leipold highlighted several players who have impressed through the first two weeks of practice.

• Cole Ballard, QB — The presumed backup to starter Jalon Daniels has drawn praise for his command of the offense.

• Keaton Kubecka and Doug Emilien, WR — Consistent playmakers in camp drills.

• Johnny Thompson, RB — Providing depth and explosiveness in the backfield.

• Carson Bruhn, TE — Described by Leipold as “one of the bigger surprises” in camp.

• Justice Finkley, DE (Texas transfer) — Standing out as one of the top defensive performers.

Fresno State Names QB1 for Week 0

When Kansas takes the field on Aug. 23 in the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, they’ll see E.J. Warner leading the Bulldogs’ offense. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, E.J. emerged from a three-man quarterback competition after transferring from Rice, following an earlier stint at Temple.

With Warner under center, Kansas’ defense will get an immediate test in its 2025 opener.