Kansas enters the official Week 1 of the 2025 college football season in an unusual position. The Jayhawks already are 1-0 and preparing to play their second home game in their almost-new stadium in Lawrence, Kan.
The Jayhawks opened with a 31-7 victory over Fresno State last week. Kansas will host FCS opponent Wagner (0-0) in Memorial Stadium, which began undergoing a significant renovation following the 2023 season. Only the east side of the stadium remains largely unchanged from previous seasons.
Now into the weekly grind, Kansas coach Lance Leipold looked back with pride about the opener and forward with anticipation.
“I thought we played hard,” he said at his Monday press conference. “I thought we played physical. Defensively, I thought we played well after the first series.
“We’ve got to clean up the penalties (nine for 72 yards) and be better with our hands. It was a good first win, but there’s plenty on the film that you can point out that we have to embrace to get better.”
Wagner was predicted to finish fifth in the Northeast Conference preseason poll, coming off a 4-8 season in 2024. The Seahawks will try to build from a rushing attack that had only one player, Rickey Spruill, gain more than 400 yards last season. He finished with 612 yards on 119 carries.
Senior offensive lineman Brady Anderson was named to the All-NEC preseason team. He is joined as a captain by defensive back/wide receiver Sam Martin and defensive lineman Logan Barnes.
“I’m proud of the leadership this group has shown, both on and off the field,” Seahawks coach Tom Masella said. “Our captains have earned the respect of their teammates through their work ethic, toughness and commitment to the program. They set the standard every day, and I know they’ll do a great job leading our team this season.”
Kansas was impressive against Fresno State. Quarterback Jalon Daniels is breaking in a group of new skill position players this year, as he lost his top three receivers and leading rusher Devin Neal to the NFL. But that didn’t slow him against the Bulldogs.
He finished 18 of 20 for 176 yards and three touchdowns and added 47 yards rushing on eight carries.
–Field Level Media
