[2024] Krystal Ball: Looking to the Future of Kansas (Part One: Offense)

[Bundy]

With the 2024 season nearly in the books, and the bulk of recruiting wrapping up, we can quickly dive into a look at what the football future may hold for our Kansas Jayhawks.

Quarterbacks

The Jayhawks have been predominantly known for one part of their offense throughout their history - running the ball. 2021 QB Ian Morgan was able to crack 3,000 yards in 11 games of play, but since he graduated, the team has struggled to move the ball effectively through the air. Jeff Maeda finished with 1,434 yards in 10 career games from 2021-2022, while Tyler Summers, the current redshirt junior QB. has yet to eclipse 2500 career passing yards despite starting 26 career games. 

Last year, there was growing pressure from the Jayhawk alumni base to be more than 1-dimensional, with heavy pushes from the main boosters to adapt to the modern dominating styles that are seen on national TV each week. 

Presumptive starter: 

Tyler Summers ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (JR) Scrambler

Summers has the upper hand in any type of offseason QB battle we may see. He's been benched, twice, in his career - in 2022, after starting the first 3 games, Jeff Maeda came in, and then in 2023 Aaron Diaz started one game. Summers has a weak arm, and is extremely turnover prone when asked to win the game by throwing more than 5 yards downfield, which isn't a recipe for success that would put Kansas in Conference championship contention, much less in the playoff contender role the boosters so desperately desire. 

Probable offseason competitors:

Joseph Perkins ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Balanced

Jeffrey Eagle ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 👕 FR Pocket

Perkins was the first major recruit by Kansas HC  @Bundy, and played during the 2024 Spring portion of the season. However, he hasn't seen any actual game action, and isn't listed on Kansas' 2024 3-deep depth chart. Perkins boasts the highest potential of Kansas' blue chip QBs on their current roster.  

Eagle was a big get out of Alabama, committing to the Jayhawks over his home state Crimson Tide. He hasn't been tested yet, taking a redshirt year this year, but could open up the Kansas playbook to the likes of the very brief 11-game Ian Morgan era we saw during Kansas' initial season of play. 

Others with registered playing time:

Dustin Benintendi ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Scrambler

William Abshire ⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Scrambler

Benintendi is the primary backup to Summers this year, and has gone 5/8 for 34 yards passing on the season, seeing time most notably in the Clemson and Iowa State games. He was the first QB commit to Kansas, coming out of Florida in the 2021 class. 

Abshire was part of a multi-QB 2022 recruiting class that saw himself, Perkins, and (like Abshire) fellow WI recruit Robert Lemberger come to Kansas. He hasn't completed a pass to date. 

Others on the roster:

Robert Lemberger ⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Scrambler

Michael Ryan   ⭐⭐⭐ FR Scrambler

Lemberger was decently touted after multiple lower level state titles in Wisconsin, but has somehow fallen behind Abshire on the current year DC. Ryan was a late 2023 commit. 

Incoming recruits:

James Williams ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6'0" 223 Scrambler out of Warren, MI

While the boosters might want to throw the ball downfield more, the last few classes bringing in multiple scramblers makes it appear that @Bundy is keeping his options open when it comes to future playcalling. Williams actually has decent potential (B-) as well, and seeing what has worked throughout the 2024 season could lead to Williams getting his shot at playing time in Lawrence.

 

Projected Winter Depth Chart:

Tyler Summers ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SR) Scrambler

Joseph Perkins ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Balanced

Jeffrey Eagle ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Pocket

 James Williams ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR Scrambler 

William Abshire ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Scrambler

Potential Transfers:

Dustin Benintendi ⭐⭐⭐ (JR) Scrambler

Robert Lemberger ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Scrambler

Michael Ryan   ⭐⭐⭐ SO Scrambler

 

It's not likely that Kansas keeps more than 5 QBs on roster for 2025, which could send multiple of Benintendi, Lemberger/Abshire, and Ryan to the transfer portal. If Williams gets redshirted, Kansas might retain one more, but the path to playing time for the 3-star QBs on this team appears to be drastic. 

 

Running Backs

We're entering uncharted waters at the running back position for the first time, where Kansas has had quick succession from Bene' Humber to Cody Casspi. Humber rushed for 2,082 career yards, and Casspi rushed for 2,292 yards from 2022-2023, before his current dominant 2024 season shattered the Kansas record books. What happens at the position in 2025 could shape the outcome of what happens at the QB position.

Presumptive starter: 

Jacob Flores ⭐⭐⭐ 👕 SR Receiving

Barring some late 2024 season carries for a different RB, Flores returns as both the eldest RB on the future roster, as well as having the most career carries - at just 37 to date. He has 1 career rushing TD.

Probable offseason competitors:

Kamalei Lowe ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Balanced

Nathaniel Rudebacher ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 👕 FR Speed

Lowe has actually been serving as the primary Casspi backup in 2024, with 163 yards a 1 TD to date. He came to Kansas in the 2021 class after seeing fellow Oregonian Steel Blue commit, but has actually been more productive than his highly touted Oregon counterpart (yes, even 163 rushing yards and a TD has been more valuable to Kansas). 

Rudebacher was recruited as the presumptive heir to Casspi, but looked incredibly raw as a true freshman during 2024 spring, leading to a redshirt season. There's a chance he could be a 4-year starter, although he'll certainly face competition for reps. 

Others with registered playing time:

none

After a 3-headed rushing attack of Humber, Casspi, and FB Marcell Marysonet in 2022, Kansas has shifted to giving reps to RBs less and less, with QB/PR/Athlete Aaron Diaz rushing for 867 yards in 2023, and now in 2024 seeing more designed QB runs than RB2 runs (Lowe is the 2nd-leading RB in terms of carries). There's little experience in the room.

Others on the roster:

Alonzo Wilson ⭐⭐⭐ SO Power

Kevin Force  ⭐⭐⭐ SO Speed

Jay Ludden ⭐ FR Speed

Wilson and Force were part of a 2022 recruiting effort in which many thought the future might be a RB committee of "lesser" backs each getting reps to be primed for the future, but through two seasons, neither has either gotten on the field, nor gotten redshirted. 

Incoming recruits:

Juan Alvarado ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6'0" 194 Speed out of Visalia, CA

Adam Foley ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5'9" 194 Speed out of Phoenix, AZ

Kansas beat out Virginia Tech for both blue chip RBs here in a western recruiting swing. It's unlikely either makes an impact in 2025, but both could be factored into a 2026+ plan as part of, once again, a triumvirate approach to the RB position. 

 

Projected Winter Depth Chart:

Jacob Flores ⭐⭐⭐  (SR) Receiving

Nathaniel Rudebacher ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (FR) Speed

Kamalei Lowe ⭐⭐⭐ (JR) Balanced

Juan Alvarado ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR Speed

Adam Foley ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR Speed

Potential Transfers:

Alonzo Wilson ⭐⭐⭐ JR Power

Kevin Force  ⭐⭐⭐ JR Speed

Jay Ludden ⭐ SO Speed

 

Another position Kansas has loaded up on blue chippers at, it would be wise for Wilson/Force to find an exit strategy. However, it's likely one or both of Alvarado/Foley redshirt, meaning there could be room for one of the veteran pair to stick it out another year in Lawrence. 

 

Fullbacks

Kansas was once known as a high user of fullbacks, with Marcell Maysonet cracking 1500 career yards as a traditional FB.

Presumptive starter: 

Alfred Schneider ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (FR) Balanced

Schneider saw game action early in 2024, though his role has been reduced a bit with the move of TE Bryan David to the position, valuing his better blocking. However, David is a departing senior, so Schneider should again see heavy action in 2025.

Probable offseason competitors:

none

Kansas was really hot on Schneider on the recruiting trail during 2022, and he appears to be their guy going forward.

Others with registered playing time:

none

Others on the roster:

Alex Takahashi ⭐⭐⭐ JR Rushing

Austin Girodo ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Receiving

Ivan Leon ⭐ FR Balanced

Takahashi has actually played quite a few special teams reps, but hasn't received a carry to date. Girodo was the first in-state recruit for Kansas, coming during the 2021 class. 

 

Projected Winter Depth Chart:

Alfred Schneider ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (SO) Balanced

Austin Girodo ⭐⭐⭐ (JR) Receiving

Potential Transfers:

Alex Takahashi ⭐⭐⭐ SR Rushing

Ivan Leon ⭐ SO Balanced

 

The FB room is deep if Takahashi stays, but he's good enough to start somewhere for his senior year. Girodo has potential to transfer as well, but with how much rotation Kansas has done in their backfield, he could still get key reps as FB2 in 2025. 

 

Tight Ends

The most important position of all positions 👀 Kansas has recruited the position heavily, with success coming from Alex Atkins from 2021-2023. 

Presumptive starter(s): 

Travis Siegrist ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (SO) Blocking

Travis Campbell ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (FR) Receiving

Kansas has employed a massive use of 2 TE sets throughout 2024, and that's not expected to change much with the wealth of talent they have on roster. Siegrist has been playing primarily TE2, although during the homestretch of the 2024 season he's been earning the TE1 reps over Bryan David (who has split time at TE2 and FB in more of a H-back role). Siegrist even has a touchdown reception! Campbell has been working with both the TE and WR sets, although he's only seen 1 target in the minimalist passing concept Kansas has employed.

Probable offseason competitors:

Frank Greco ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (FR) Vertical Threat

Dylan LaFromboise ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Blocking

Greco has seen "significant" reps in the WR room, hauling in 3 of 7 targets for 26 yards to date. LaFromboise, meanwhile, has been the primary TE3, with his blocking skills highly valued in his reserve role. 

Others with registered playing time:

Steel Blue  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ JR Receiving 

Perhaps the most highly touted blue chip bust in SFA history, Steel Blue worked into the lineup as a true freshman, earning reps at TE2, TE1, and even WR. That said, he's only caught 40 of 99 career targets, for a dismal 324 yards and no touchdowns. He was benched early in the 2024 campaign, and while he hasn't officially been "dismissed" from the program, he's switch to doing online classes and only sees scout team reps, with just 5 appearances in 2024. 

Others on the roster:

John Denney ⭐⭐⭐ SO Receiving

Victor Santiago ⭐  FR Blocking

Incoming recruits:

Jesse Bleus ⭐⭐⭐ 6'4" 229 Vertical Threat out of Southaven, MS

 

Projected Winter Depth Chart:

Travis Siegrist ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (JR) Blocking

Travis Campbell ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (SO) Receiving

Frank Greco ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (SO) Vertical Threat

Dylan LaFromboise ⭐⭐⭐ (JR) Blocking

John Denney ⭐⭐⭐ JR Receiving

Jesse Bleus ⭐⭐⭐ FR Vertical Threat

Potential Transfers:

Steel Blue  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ SR Receiving 

Victor Santiago ⭐  SO Blocking

 

Siegrist has performed well with what he's been asked to do, and will be one of the main 2 TEs. Cambell and Greco will battle it out for the other TE spot, with the "loser" likely earning WR reps. LaFromboise projects again to be the TE3, although it wouldn't be a complete shock should he or LaFromboise enter the portal seeking more playing time elsewhere. Blue is for sure on the outs, marking the end of his storied but struggled chapter in Kansas history. Bleus likely sees a redshirt year. 

 

Wide Receivers

The apparently least important position to Kansas if you looked at their signed recruits from 2021-2023, wide receiver might be getting a facelift as a whole in terms of importance and usage in the Kansas offense in the future.

Presumptive starter: 

Tanner Bradley ⭐⭐⭐  (JR) Possession

Bradley has been the favored true WR on roster dating back to mid-2023. He's seen the bulk of the target share of all individuals on the team in 2024. 

Probable offseason competitors:

Eric Zawadzki ⭐⭐  (JR) Red Zone Threat

"Big Z" is a locker room favorite, but you've probably never heard of him when it comes to football. He's a Red Zone Threat with high potential, but has yet to see the field.

Others with registered playing time:

none

Others on the roster:

Ifeadi Barea ⭐⭐⭐ JR Red Zone Threat

Robert Bernal ⭐⭐⭐ FR Red Zone Threat

Larry Gaziano ⭐⭐⭐ 👕FR Possession

Stanley Tweedie ⭐ (FR) Route Runner

Sang Vang ⭐ FR Red Zone Threat

Barea was Kansas' first (and only through 2022) WR commit, but his archetype like Zawadzki has had him struggling to get on the field, getting passed over by TEs Greco and Denney when it comes to the limited WR reps there are to go around. Bernal was a late 2023 commit, and again, is a RZT, meaning he's likely destined to be a career practice player without a significant scheme change. Gaziano could be the true "future" WR of the group, earning a redshirt and likely some offseason depth reps. Tweedie was a notable 2022 walk on, redshirting last year, and becoming a standout practice player who has actually earned special teams reps.

Incoming recruits:

Sterling Stelter ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6'3" 217 Possession out of Tonganoxie, KS

Tito Cruz ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5'10" 174 Route Runner out of Melissa, TX

Andrew Wynter ⭐⭐⭐ 6'1" 194 Possession out of Salisbury, NC

After having missed out on the majority of their WR targets over 3 different recruiting classes, Kansas struck hard in the 2024 cycle. Stelter takes the short trip from Tonganoxie to Lawrence with his high school teammate, a CB, but could make a legitimate push to get on the field as a true freshman. Tito Cruz isn't in the mold of the big bodied receivers Kansas has recruited in terms of WRs and TEs in the past, but could be a shifty slot receiver and might be of interest to QBs Perkins and Eagle. And Wynter, while likely buried early on, projects better than any Kansas WR commit over the past few cycles. There would be little shock if a 2026 lineup featured this trio as the top 3 WR options. 

 

 Projected Winter Depth Chart:

Tanner Bradley ⭐⭐⭐  (SR) Possession

Sterling Stelter ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR Possession

Tito Cruz ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR Route Runner

Andrew Wynter ⭐⭐⭐ FR Possession

Larry Gaziano ⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Possession

Stanley Tweedie ⭐ (SO) Route Runner

Potential Transfers:

Eric Zawadzki ⭐⭐  (SR) Red Zone Threat

Ifeadi Barea ⭐⭐⭐ SR Red Zone Threat

Robert Bernal ⭐⭐⭐ SO Red Zone Threat

Sang Vang ⭐ SO Red Zone Threat

A very young and inexperienced WR room will likely receive redshirts and supplementing from the TE room by way of Greco/Denney. There would be no surprise if the lot of RZTs all transferred out. 

 

Offensive Line

A young, but relatively experienced, group of hog molllies up front fuels the Jayhawks in 2024 currently, and looks to stick together for years to come.

Presumptive starters: 

OT Wallace Brooks ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 👕FR Run Blocking

OG Enrique Guerra ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Run Blocking

C Jesus Hernandes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Balanced

OG David Hager ⭐⭐⭐⭐ SO Pass Blocking

OT Austin Smith ⭐⭐⭐(JR) Balanced

Probable offseason competitors:

OT Jason Seay ⭐⭐⭐ 👕SO Pass Blocking

OT Kenny Morrison ⭐⭐⭐ 👕SO Pass Blocking

Seay and Morrison were both brought in during the 2022 recruiting class as the likely heir apparents to pass blocking OT Drew Solano, who registered 20 starts for Kansas from 2022-2024. As Kansas phased passing out, though, Solano found himself out of a starting role, which could raise questions about Seay/Morrison's futures with the team. 

Others with registered playing time:

OT Drew Nunnally ⭐⭐⭐JR Run Blocking

Nunnally started the 2024 season opener against Clemson, but was replaced by (SR) Zac Griffin the rest of the way. 

Others on the roster:

C Robert Greenburg 0️⃣ FR Balanced

OT Tim Jarvis ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Run Blocking

OT Michael Morrison ⭐⭐⭐ FR Run Blocking

Greenburg walked on, but has little chance of seeing the field barring a massive improvement in the weight room. Jarvis was one of Kansas' initial OL commits, but has been passed by over time. Michael Morrison is actually first cousins with Kenny, with both hailing from Florida. 

Incoming recruits:

OG Francis Hayes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6'3" 299 Pass Blocking out of Maple Grove, MN

OG Todd Giddings ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6'5" 287 Pass Blocking out of State College, PA

OT Scott Sinanovic ⭐⭐⭐ 6'3" 299 Balanced out of Winchcester, VA

A pair of blue chip guards coming to Kansas after their previous lone commit at the position, David Hager, has lined himself up to be a 4-year starter. Hayes has come to idolize fellow Minnesotan Hager, following the Bloomington prospect down to Lawrence. Giddings felt a lot of local pressure to attend Penn State, with both of his parents employed at the school, but wanted to get away from home and fell in love with the idea of pairing up with Hayes and co. in the future. Sinanovic is your run of the mill @Bundy OT recruit, a 3-star who could be something, but could also get lost in the shuffle.

 

Projected Winter Depth Chart:

OT Wallace Brooks ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Run Blocking

OG Enrique Guerra ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Run Blocking

C Jesus Hernandes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Balanced

OG David Hager ⭐⭐⭐⭐ JR Pass Blocking

OT Austin Smith ⭐⭐⭐(SR) Balanced

OG Francis Hayes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR Pass Blocking

OG Todd Giddings ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR Pass Blocking

OT Kenny Morrison ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Pass Blocking

OT Michael Morrison ⭐⭐⭐ SO Run Blocking

OT Scott Sinanovic ⭐⭐⭐ FR Balanced

Potential Transfers:

OT Drew Nunnally ⭐⭐⭐SR Run Blocking

OT Jason Seay ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Pass Blocking

OT Tim Jarvis ⭐⭐⭐ (JR) Run Blocking

C Robert Greenburg 0️⃣ SO Balanced

Nunnally certainly could be a 2025 starter, but Wallace Brooks saw the bulk of the 2024 spring action, and is likely to earn 1st team reps early - leaving Nunnally as a projected backup during his senior year. It would be surprising if 3 OTs left through the portal, but Jarvis has lost his reps, and again, there's uncertainty with how needed pass blocking OTs are in the Kansas plans. It remains unlikely a team like Kansas would be left with just 9 offensive linemen, and potential redshirts to Hayes, Giddings, and maybe one of M. Morrison or Sinanovic would leave them with 9 or less. Odds would probably favor Jarvis to stay over the other two. 

 

Summary

Projected Winter Starting Offense:

QB Tyler Summers ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SR) Scrambler

RB Jacob Flores ⭐⭐⭐  (SR) Receiving

FB Alfred Schneider ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (SO) Balanced

TE Travis Siegrist ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (JR) Blocking

TE Travis Campbell ⭐⭐⭐⭐  (SO) Receiving

WR Tanner Bradley ⭐⭐⭐  (SR) Possession

WR Sterling Stelter ⭐⭐⭐⭐ FR Possession

OT Wallace Brooks ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (FR) Run Blocking

OG Enrique Guerra ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Run Blocking

C Jesus Hernandes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Balanced

OG David Hager ⭐⭐⭐⭐ JR Pass Blocking

OT Austin Smith ⭐⭐⭐(SR) Balanced

 

Top 5 Potential Transfers:

TE Steel Blue  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ SR Receiving - 40 Receptions/99 Targets, 324 Yards, 0 TD

OT Drew Nunnally ⭐⭐⭐SR Run Blocking - 1 start

OT Jason Seay ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Pass Blocking - 0 starts, 3 years eligibility

WR Robert Bernal ⭐⭐⭐ SO Red Zone Threat - 0 starts, 3 years eligibility

QB Robert Lemberger ⭐⭐⭐ (SO) Scrambler - 0 starts, 3 years eligibility, A- Potential

[SageBow]

RIP Steel Blue

 

Wow that is a crazy young offensive line!