Jalon Daniels’ final KU season: 8 key narratives for 2025

Jalon Daniels enters his final season at KU with several key narratives shaping his farewell. After battling injuries, Daniels feels ready and confident, aiming to be ready to go Game 1. The loss of veteran targets like Luke Grimm and Quentin Skinner means Daniels must build chemistry with new receivers from the transfer portal.

Fans and coach Lance Leipold are watching closely as Daniels aims to limit turnovers and close out tight games, something that was an issue at times last year. This last campaign will test Daniels' resilience, leadership and ability to bring the Jayhawks back into contention.

NO. 1: HOW JALON DANIELS BECAME THE FACE OF KANSAS FOOTBALL: ‘NOBODY KNEW WHO THIS KID WAS’

Jalon Daniels came to Lawrence to change the KU football program. “We’re a Power Five football team,” Daniels said. “We shouldn’t be having close games with FCS schools.” | Published August 14, 2023 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) celebrates his second touchdown against the UNLV Rebels in the first half on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 2: WHY THREE COACHES FROM KANSAS QB JALON DANIELS’ PAST BELIEVE HE WILL RETURN TO FORM

The Star spoke with three former coaches of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels about his recent struggles. | Published September 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Cougars during the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 19, 2024. By William Purnell

NO. 3: IS KANSAS QUARTERBACK JALON DANIELS FIXED? JAYHAWKS’ STAR RUNNING BACK THINKS SO

Jalon Daniels has played well in two straight games. Has he fixed his early season issues? | Published October 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels takes a snap from center Bryce Foster (No. 61) during a game against Kansas State at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan on Oct. 26, 2024. By Scott Sewell/file photo

NO. 4: HOW MUCH WILL KU JAYHAWKS QB JALON DANIELS PLAY DURING SPRING PRACTICE? COACH SAYS THIS

KU quarterback Jalon Daniels underwent a knee procedure this month. | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) passes the ball against the Houston Cougars during the first quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 19, 2024. By William Purnell

NO. 5: DID KANSAS UNDERESTIMATE RUST ON QB JALON DANIELS? ‘NOW, HE’S AT A PRETTY GOOD SPOT’

Lance Leipold said the Jayhawks may have underestimated the rust on quarterback Jalon Daniels to start 2024. | Published October 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) punts the ball against the BYU Cougars during the fourth quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Nov. 16, 2024. By Rob Gray

NO. 6: THE STORY BEHIND QB JALON DANIELS’ PERFECT POOCH PUNT FOR KANSAS JAYHAWKS AT BYU

Here’s how that perfect Jalon Daniels pooch punt was conceived. | Published November 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

NO. 7: WHERE IS KANSAS FOOTBALL QUARTERBACK JALON DANIELS WITH HIS INJURY REHAB?

Here’s an update on Kansas Jayhawks QB Jalon Daniels as he recovers from a knee procedure. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

It’s a busy time for KU basketball coach Bill Self (left) and football coach Lance Leipold (right) with spring football in full swing and transfer portal season heating up. By Evert Nelson

NO. 8: KANSAS JAYHAWKS Q&A: WHAT’S LEFT FOR KU BASKETBALL IN PORTAL + FOOTBALL STANDOUTS

Beat writer Shreyas Laddha answers your top KU basketball, football and transfer portal questions in this week’s Q&A. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.