Kansas Jayhawks Football

The Kansas Jayhawks football program, steeped in a legacy dating back to 1890, embodies a storied history in collegiate sports. Competing in the NCAA Division I FBS within the Big 12 Conference, they call the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium their home, a venue steeped in tradition and hosting over 47,000 passionate fans on FieldTurf.

From triumphant victories to celebrated rivalries against Missouri, Kansas State, and Nebraska, the Jayhawks have garnered 9 conference titles and cultivated a legacy of 11 consensus All-Americans. Despite recent challenges, the team, under Coach Lance Leipold's leadership, strives to rekindle its past successes and redefine its place among college football elites.

Fueled by a dedicated fanbase and a commitment to reclaiming former glories, the Jayhawks' journey embodies resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence on the gridiron. As they navigate through challenges, their legacy remains a testament to their enduring spirit and the quest for a triumphant resurgence in the world of college football.

Kansas Jayhawks Football Introduction

The Kansas Jayhawks football team, a proud representative of the University of Kansas, has a remarkable legacy spanning over 130 years since its establishment in 1890. Competing in the NCAA Division I FBS within the Big 12 Conference, their home games pulsate with energy at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, accommodating a vibrant crowd of 47,233 fans on FieldTurf.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Lance Leipold and Athletic Director Travis Goff, the Jayhawks have forged a strong presence in college football. They've etched their mark in the sport's annals with a historic record, including nine conference titles and one divisional triumph in 2007.

The team cherishes intense rivalries against Missouri, Kansas State, and Nebraska, fostering thrilling matchups. Celebrating 11 Consensus All-Americans, the Jayhawks proudly flaunt their colors of Crimson and blue. Their anthem, "I'm a Jayhawk," echoes their unity and passion, epitomized by mascots Big Jay and Baby Jay, symbolizing the team's enduring spirit and unity.

Kansas Jayhawks Football History

The Kansas Jayhawks football program boasts a rich history dating back to 1890, marking it as one of the oldest in college football and the oldest in Kansas. Their home ground, the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, opened its doors in 1921, standing among the nation's oldest college football arenas. The stadium, previously encircled by a track until 2014, underwent changes to enhance facilities like the adjacent University of Kansas Football Indoor Practice Facility completed in 2019.

Throughout its history, Kansas football saw periods of triumph under coach Mark Mangino, securing 50 wins in eight seasons. However, the team faced challenges post-Mangino, enduring a tough stretch with a win percentage of .165 from his departure to 2021.

Despite hardships, notable players like Gale Sayers, John Riggins, and Aqib Talib contributed to the team's legacy. Kansas football participated in twelve bowl games and claimed six conference championships, the most recent in 1968. They were also part of the inaugural NCAA-contracted nationally televised regular-season game in 1952 against TCU.

As an original member of the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1907, evolving into the Big Eight and then the Big 12 in 1996, Kansas remains the sole surviving founding member from the MVIAA in the current Big 12 lineup. Though without a Heisman Trophy winner, the Jayhawks' history remains deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of college football's evolution and legacy.

Kansas Jayhawks Football Coach

Lance Leipold serves as the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks football team, representing the University of Kansas in the Big 12 Conference of the NCAA. Since the team's inception in 1890, it's seen 40 head coaches, starting with Will Coleman, who was both a player and the unofficial coach in the debut season. Edwin Mortimer Hopkins became the first official head coach, guiding the team to a 7–0–1 record in 1891.

The team's journey involved shifts from various conferences, finally settling in the Big 12 in 1996. Notably, seven coaches led the Jayhawks to bowl games, with four securing conference championships. Glen Mason holds the record for most games coached, while A. R. Kennedy claims the most wins. Fielding H. Yost and Wylie G. Woodruff stand out with impressive winning percentages.

David Beaty holds the lowest winning percentage among Jayhawks coaches, while Yost remains the sole coach inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Mark Mangino earned the prestigious Coach of the Year award in 2007, marking a standout achievement in the team's coaching history.

Here's a table summarizing the coaching history of the Kansas Jayhawks football team:

The David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, situated in Lawrence, Kansas, at the University of Kansas campus, has stood since 1921 as a significant venue for the Kansas Jayhawks football team. This stadium, often called "The Booth," holds a special place in history as the seventh oldest college football stadium in the nation and the oldest west of the Mississippi River.

The stadium serves as a poignant memorial honoring Kansas students who sacrificed their lives during World War I, forming part of seven major veterans' memorials on the campus. It stands at the heart of these memorials, symbolizing the university's reverence for its fallen heroes across different wars.

With a capacity of 47,233, this venue underwent a notable change in name in December 2017, renamed to honor David G. Booth, a respected alumnus and generous donor who pledged $50 million for its renovation. Embracing FieldTurf, this historic stadium remains a vital home ground for the Kansas Jayhawks football team, carrying both sporting significance and heartfelt remembrance.

Kansas Jayhawks Football Rivals

The Kansas Jayhawks football team has intense rivalries, and one big one is with the Missouri Tigers. This rivalry called the Border War, started way back in 1891 and was one of the oldest west of the Mississippi River. They battled on the field every year until 2011, except for 1918 due to the flu. The name came from real battles during the Civil War between free-state "Jayhawkers" and pro-slavery "Bushwhackers" from Missouri. The annual game was a big deal, with a special trophy called the Indian War Drum for the winner.

Kansas also has a showdown with the Kansas State Wildcats known as the Sunflower Showdown. They've played nearly every year since 1911, making it one of the longest ongoing matchups in college football. The winner gets the Governor's Cup. Kansas State's been pretty strong lately, winning 27 of the last 35 games.

Another big rivalry was with Nebraska, which was the longest ongoing one until 2011. Starting in 1892, these teams faced off every year until 2010. Kansas struggled against Nebraska, but they had some impressive wins, like scoring a lot in 2006 and 2007 and beating them in 2005 and 2007. These games were intense and full of history!

Kansas Jayhawks Football Record and stats

The Kansas Jayhawks football team has a long history, playing in different conferences over the years. They've been part of various leagues, like the Kansas Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Big 6/7/8 Conference.

Their overall record is 601 wins, 681 losses, and 60 ties, showing their dedication and hard-fought games over time. In bowl games, they've won 6 out of 13 matchups, putting their bowl record at 6 wins and 7 losses.

Throughout their journey, they've claimed conference titles nine times in different years, showing their strength and triumph in those seasons. They also grabbed a division title in the Co-Big 12 North Division back in 2007.

It's evident that the Jayhawks have a rich history with moments of victory and challenges. Despite the ups and downs, their commitment and achievements in both conferences and bowl games highlight their determination and resilience on the football field.

Conference championships

Division championships

Kansas Jayhawks Football Roster

The Kansas Jayhawks Football Roster 2023 is expected to be a strong and competitive team with a mix of veteran players and promising newcomers. The team will be led by head coach Lance Leipold who has a track record of success in the NCAA Division III and Division II.

One of the key players on the roster is expected to be quarterback Jalon Daniels, who started as a true freshman in 2020 and showed great potential. Other notable players on offense include running back Devin Neal and wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter II.

On defense, the team will be led by linebacker Kyron Johnson and defensive end Malcolm Lee. Both players have been standouts on the field and are expected to anchor the defense for the Jayhawks.

In addition to these players, there are several other talented athletes on the roster who are poised to make an impact on the field. These include offensive lineman Armaj Adams-Reed, cornerback Karon Prunty, and safety Kenny Logan Jr.

Overall, the Kansas Jayhawks Football Roster 2023 has a lot of potential and could surprise many people this season. With a strong coaching staff and talented players, they are definitely a team to watch out for.

Kansas Jayhawks Football Schedule

The Kansas Jayhawks Football Schedule for 2023 has been announced, and fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. The schedule features a total of 12 games, with six games to be played at home and six games on the road.

The season kicks off on September 2nd with a home game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers. The following week, the Jayhawks will hit the road to face the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Other notable non-conference games include a home game against the Memphis Tigers on September 23rd and a road game against the Houston Cougars on October 7th.

As for conference play, the Jayhawks will face off against their Big 12 rivals, including home games against the Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, TCU Horned Frogs, and Kansas State Wildcats. On the road, they will take on the Iowa State Cyclones, Baylor Bears, West Virginia Mountaineers, and Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The regular season will conclude on November 25th with a home game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Jayhawks will be looking to improve upon their record from the previous season and make a run for the Big 12 Championship. With an exciting schedule ahead and a talented team, it's sure to be an action-packed season for Kansas Jayhawks fans.