Kansas Football Season Outlook After 2026 Preseason Big 12 Shutout

The Big 12 Conference released its 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 Team on July 6, honoring 30 players from across the 16-team league. Kansas wasn't one of them. Colorado, Iowa State and UCF were the only other programs without a selection. It's the kind of storyline that shapes early conversation around Kansas sports betting this time of year.

$1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don't Win

Bonus Code: BETKSBONUS

Visit Site

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR), Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and Expire in 7 Days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

A Wide-Open Quarterback Race

Kansas hasn't named a starting QB, and the battle should run into fall camp. Sophomore Cole Ballard completed 35 of 64 passes for 445 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions across three seasons at Kansas, including 10 of 22 for 108 yards, a touchdown and an interception, plus 92 rushing yards on 15 carries, last season.

Enter freshman Isaiah Marshall, who has attempted few passes at the collegiate level but rushed 15 times for 160 yards (10.7 yards per carry) last season. Rice transfer Chase Jenkins has the most experience of the three: in 2025 he completed 69.2% of his passes for 1,025 yards, 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, and added 531 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. Over three seasons at Rice, Jenkins finished 132 of 191 passing for 1,125 yards, 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Whoever wins the job will do so with the race already being tracked on the top Kansas betting apps.

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Visit Site

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Wagering offered by DK Sportsbook. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Where the Win Total Sits

BetMGM set KU's 2026 win total at 5.5 in June, one of six Big 12 teams at that number, which BetMGM frames as a toss-up on bowl eligibility. The Kansas Jayhawks odds on that number will likely move once the quarterback race is settled, and it's worth tracking as fall camp approaches. 

Kansas opens its 2026 schedule with a trip to London to face Arizona State and also plays five true Big 12 road games, at Utah, Kansas State, TCU, West Virginia and Oklahoma State, along with home games against Missouri, Middle Tennessee, Baylor, UCF and BYU.