AJ Storr & potential Bill Self successors are covered in this new KU Jayhawks Q&A
The University of Kansas football team has an opportunity to flip the script a bit on Saturday.
The Jayhawks (3-6, 2-4 Big 12) hit the road to play undefeated and seventh-ranked BYU. If KU beats the Cougars, it’ll be the first time Kansas has beaten two straight ranked opponents — not to mention KU’s first win in Provo and first loss of the year for undefeated BYU.
KU needs to win out just to return to some sort of bowl game. Technically, the Jayhawks aren’t out of Big 12 championship contention — but a lot would have to break in KU’s favor for that to happen.
Let’s see if the Jayhawks can win two straight games for the first time all season. Counting BYU, they have just three more: at BYU, home vs. Colorado and at Baylor in the season finale.
For now, let’s get into another Kansas mailbag. Thanks, as always, for the questions!
Will A.J. Storr get going? What will Kansas look like next year, in football, after they lose so much talent? @elambertwrites
This is an excellent question. On paper, AJ Storr is a stud. He averaged 16.8 points for Wisconsin last year.
For Kansas, however, he comes off the bench. He still seems to be thinking first instead of reacting/playing.
His defense has also been lacking, but Storr is capable of turning things around in a hurry. He’s a talented guard who can create his own shot, which holds immense value.
He’s just on a short leash right now, as coach Bill Self is still waiting for Storr to play the way KU needs him to — without thinking too hard.
To your second question, it’s hard to predict because 30 seniors, including 15 starters, are set to depart. It depends on how the Jayhawks fare in the portal.
KU may well have a better record in 2025, but I’d be surprised if next season’s team is more talented than this one.
How would Jaden Nickens realistically play both football and basketball? ... Doesn’t seem feasible with scheduling, etc…. What would that look like and how is KU pitching that to him?@SpaceJam87
Honestly, It’ll be a little tricky. I get the vibe that Nickens will primarily focus on football, as he is a four-star recruit in that sport as a receiver — and a zero-star recruit in basketball.
He will likely be a walk-on for the KU men’s basketball team. If that’s the case, I think it’ll be much easier for Nickens to play both sports.
“With Bill Self now having the most wins of any coach in the history of KU how much longer do you think he’ll coach and if he retired at the end of this season who would be the top 3 names for the job?” An easy question that won’t cause ANY controversy. :) @jschlitt
This question might get me in trouble.
At least one of the names will be an internal candidate. I wouldn’t be surprised if KU looks at assistant coach Jeremy Case. He’s coached the Jayhawks for years, is young and is an excellent recruiter.
Another name: UConn’s Dan Hurley. Knowing him personally, I don’t think he leaves the Northeast, but Kansas can offer the bag. I’m sure KU would do anything to land him, as he’s one of the best coaches in college basketball.
My last potential candidate would be Baylor’s Scott Drew. He’s relatively young (54), has won a national championship and consistently has Baylor in the NCAA Tournament and competing for Big 12 titles.
These options are my (best) guesses for whom KU might target, but the odds that any one of these three will ever coach the Jayhawks are probably pretty slim.
Will Jalon Daniels be back next year? Can KU afford to keep vs other schools NIL offers? @MrJaKaRa
Probably depends on how KU finishes the season. If the Jayhawks go unbeaten down the stretch after their terrible start to the season, I’d be surprised if Daniels leaves.
After a rough start this fall, he seems to have figured it out. He has passed for 1,011 yards with eight touchdowns and just one interception over the last four games. He’s also run for a TD in four straight games.
The Jayhawks should do everything in their power to retain Daniels as they restock their roster for 2025.
