LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - The Jayhawks will have some new opponents on the conference slate in 2024 with four fresh faces joining the league.
Utah, Arizona, Arizona State and Colorado are all members of the Big 12 starting in the 2024-25 athletic year. KU football will play two of those teams: Arizona State and Colorado.
However, there is much more to talk about surrounding Jayhawk football ahead of the 2024 campaign. Here are a few topics likely to be discussed as KU head coach Lance Leipold and four of his players meet with the media at Allegiant Stadium.
- Home games in KC: The Jayhawks will not play in Lawrence in 2024. Instead, two of its designated home games will be at Sporting KC's Children's Mercy Park while its four home conference games will be at Arrowhead Stadium. What are players most excited for about playing in KC? How do they expect the change to positively or negatively impact a home field advantage? How does travel and gameday preparation change?
- Jalon Daniels' health: KU quarterback Jalon Daniels played in just nine total games combined in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Can he stay healthy for his full senior campaign? What measures might KU's coaching staff take to ensure this is a possibility?
- Replacing high-impact players: KU had two players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Replacing offensive lineman Dominick Puni and defensive lineman Austin Booker will be a tough task. The Jayhawks also notably lost edge rusher Gage Keys to the transfer portal. Who will step up for Kansas on both lines?
- New faces on the coaching staff: KU had some roster turnover after the 2023 season. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki took a job with Penn State, defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson moved on to Texas A&M, while offensive line coach Scott Fuchs took an NFL job. KU hired former Baylor play-caller Jeff Grimes to lead the offense while Daryl Agpalsa comes to Kansas from Northern Illinois to coach the offensive line. DK McDonald left the Philadelphia Eagles to join KU as the defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator. What changes might these new Jayhawk coaches look to make? How different will the offense look under Grimes?
KU is sending quarterback Jalon Daniels, running back Devin Neal, defensive back Mello Dotson and defensive lineman Jereme Robinson to Las Vegas for media days with head coach Lance Leipold.
27 Sports Director Glenn Kinley is in Las Vegas to provide coverage of the Jayhawks and Wildcats on 27 News and K-Nation. Click here for more Big 12 football coverage.
