Kansas football vs. West Virginia: Five things to know about KU’s Big 12 opener
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas opens Big 12 play Saturday as a 12.5-point favorite against WVU.
- West Virginia lost top rusher Jahiem White to likely season-ending knee injury.
- Kansas RBs face WVU defense allowing just 93.7 yards per game this season.
Following an off week, the Kansas football team is back in action Saturday.
The Jayhawks (2-1) face off against West Virginia (2-1). The game will mark the start of Big 12 play for both sides.
Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s game:
KU football vs. West Virginia game details
Kickoff: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20
Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence
TV: FS1
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City
Early betting line: Kansas is a 13.5-point favorite.
Five things to know about KU-WVU
1. After a 6-7 finish last season, WVU fired coach Neal Brown. He went 37-35 during his six seasons and was replaced by Rich Rodriguez. He previously coached the Mountaineers from 2001-07. Most recently, he coached at Jacksonville State.
2. West Virginia will be without star running back Jahiem White. White is expected out for the season after suffering a knee injury vs. Ohio. White was a preseason All-Big 12 selection. He ran for 845 yards and had seven touchdowns last season. According to Rodriguez, sophomores Clay Ash and Cyncir Bowers and redshirt freshman Diore Hubbard will get more snaps in White’s absence.
3. West Virginia quarterback Nicco Marchiol has had a shaky start to the season. Marchiol was benched vs. rival Pitt on Saturday, but ultimately came back and led WVU to victory. He went 19-of-25 passing for 192 yards and one score. On the season, Marchiol has 594 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
4. Kansas’ Jalon Daniels will have to watch out for defensive back Darrian Lewis. Lewis has been impressive thus far. He’s tied for the team lead in total tackles (21), including 11 solo tackles. On top of that, Lewis leads WVU in interceptions with two.
5. West Virginia’s defense has done an excellent job vs. the run. Teams are averaging just 93.7 rushing yards per game on 2.4 yards per carry. KU running backs Daniel Hishaw and Leshon Williams will look to bounce back after a rough showing vs. Missouri. The pair combined for 6 yards on nine carries
This story was originally published September 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM.
