Kansas Jayhawks football grades: Report card from KU’s bounce-back win over OSU
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas dominated Oklahoma State 38-21, surging in second half to secure win.
- Jayhawks rushed for 232 yards; Hishaw and Williams powered the ground attack.
- Defense limited OSU rushing but yielded 235 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Kansas football ended a two-game losing streak Saturday.
After a slow start, the Jayhawks dominated Oklahoma State, winning 38-21.
“I think we were well focused and they found out, especially in the first half, it was going to be a tough football game,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “For us to keep chipping away at it and find a way to pull away was really important.”
The Jayhawks are now one win away from bowl eligibility.
Here are our grades for all three phases of Saturday’s contest for KU (5-4, 3-3 Big 12), plus a player of the game
Offense: A-
KU’s offense started slow but really picked up in the second half.
At the half, KU trailed the Cowboys in total yards (181-132) and first downs (11-9). Kansas had scored only 10 points against one of the worst defenses in the country.
But the Jayhawks were red-hot in the second half. Kansas scored touchdowns on four straight drives before kneeling the clock out on the fifth.
KU’s second half surge was powered by its running game. The Jayhawks had 154 rushing yards in the second half. For the game, KU rushed for 232 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Leshon Williams had 14 carries for 77 yards and one touchdown. Daniel Hishaw also got 14 carries, racked up 65 yards and scored two touchdowns
Meanwhile, quarterback Jalon Daniels had a solid game. It wasn’t his best, but it didn’t need to be. Daniels finished 13-of-19 passing for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Receiver Bryson Canty also tallied his first touchdown in a Jayhawks uniform.
Defense: B-
KU’s defense was a mixed bag.
The Jayhawks did a great job of limiting yards on the ground; the Cowboys only had 72 rushing yards. That said, KU’s defense struggled against one of the worst passing attacks in the country.
Before Saturday, the Cowboys averaged just 161.1 passing yards and one-half a passing touchdown per game.
Oklahoma State quarterback Zane Flores had an excellent day vs. KU’s defense. He finished 22-of-28 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. He moved the ball with ease.
KU’s defense continues to be a concern and will certainly be tested in the final stretch of the season.
Special teams: A
KU’s special teams group was excellent.
Kicker Laith Marjan remained perfect on the season, converting one field goal from 39 yards out and set the school record for most consecutive makes (12) without a miss. He also made all of his extra points.
The Jayhawks blocked a field goal attempt that would have tied the game at the half. Kick returner Emmanuel Henderson averaged 32 yards on two returns, with a long of 56 yards.
Kansas didn’t punt the ball once, so punter Finn Lapin saw no action.
KU player of the game: Daniel Hishaw
This one came down to Hishaw and Williams, both who had excellent games. Hishaw ended up the winner as he had one more touchdown.
He averaged 4.6 yards per carry and was steady presence in the ground game. The duo of Hishaw and Williams is finally healthy, which should help lessen the offensive load for Daniels moving forward.
“It’s the most healthy the two of them have been since the opening game of the season,” coach Leipold said. “To have them both healthy going down this final stretch was very important to us.”
This story was originally published November 2, 2025 at 10:47 AM.
