Grading the Kansas Jayhawks’ football win over Fresno State in renovated stadium
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas opened 2025 with a 52-7 win over Fresno State in a renovated stadium.
- QB Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and 3 TDs, adding 47 yards on the ground.
- Kansas defense forced 2 turnovers and allowed just 216 total yards after Q1.
The University of Kansas football team started its “new era” with a bang on Saturday.
The Jayhawks dominated Fresno State in the newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and earned a dominant victory.
KU coach Lance Leipold liked what he saw from his squad.
“It was our responsibility to hold up our end on a special night like this and play well,” Leipold said. “Hopefully we play at a level where people stay excited.”
Here are our grades for all three phases of Saturday’s game for KU (1-0), plus a player of the game:
Kansas offense: A
KU’s offense was dominant on Saturday.
KU finished the night with 383 yards of total offense and 22 first downs. On top of that, the unit led by new offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski showed some creativity.
Kansas also had a nice balance of pass and run plays.
KU quarterback Jalon Daniels had one of his best games in a long time. He was in complete control. He finished 18-of-20 for 176 yards with three passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 47 yards.
Meanwhile, Ball State transfer wide receiver Cam Pickett finished with six catches for 77 and hauled in two touchdowns.
Overall, the Jayhawks had a great day offensively. The only downside? Daniels and running back Daniel Hishaw were hit quite a bit. KU’s offensive line has looked much better in recent years than it did on Saturday.
Leipold said neither player was able to finish out the game because of hits they sustained.
Kansas defense: A
The Jayhawks allowed a touchdown on Fresno State’s opening drive but no more points the rest of the way.
KU limited Fresno State to 216 yards of total offense. Kansas allowed the visitors just 37 rushing yards.
On top of that, KU forced two turnovers, twice picking off QB EJ Warner. Oh, and the Jayhawks also forced a fumble.
It was a dominant showing by the KU defense after a shaky start.
Kansas special teams: A
The Jayhawks might have found themselves a great punter. Finn Lapin averaged 53.7 yards per punt, with a long of 61
KU placekicker Laith Marjan was 1-of-1 on field goals, making a 47-yard attempt. He also made all four of his extra points.
Return man Emmanuel Henderson had one return for 14 yards.
Player of the game: Jalon Daniels
Simply put, Daniels was the best player on the field Saturday. The sixth-year QB made it look effortless.
He didn’t force balls into tight windows, but instead went through his progressions and made smart passes. He showcased why so many people remain high on him and his overall potential.
It was a dominant showing on an important night for the Jayhawks.
This story was originally published August 24, 2025 at 12:17 PM.
