KU football vs. Utah: Five things to know about Kansas Jayhawks’ senior day game
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas must beat Utah Friday to secure bowl eligibility and avoid consecutive misses.
- Utah averages 42 points and 279.6 rushing yards; Utes could exploit KU run defense.
- Utah may lose pass rusher John Henry Daley to a season-ending lower-leg injury.
After a loss to Iowa State, the Kansas Jayhawks (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) will end the regular season vs. No. 14 Utah on Friday.
KU will attempt to clinch bowl eligibility on senior day with a win against the Utes (9-2, 6-2 Big 12). Utah defeated K-State in a thriller Saturday but dropped in the top 25.
If Kansas doesn’t win Friday, this will be the second straight season the team misses out on a bowl game.
KU football vs. No. 14 Utah: Game details
Kickoff: 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 28
Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (Lawrence)
TV: ESPN
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City
Early betting line: Utah is a 13.5-point favorite.
Five things to know about KU-Utah
1. These teams haven’t met for a while. The all-time series is tied 2-2. The last time the two teams played each other was in 1996, when the Utes won 45-42.
2. Utah’s offense is elite. The Utes rank No. 6 out of 136 teams in points scored per game (42). A large part of that is due to their run-game success. Utah averages 279.6 rushing yards and 3.4 rushing touchdowns per game. KU’s defense has struggled to stop the run, ranking No. 14 in the Big 12 in opponent rushing yards per game (174.2)
3. Utah’s defense is no slouch either. The Utes rank No. 17 in points allowed per game (18.5). Teams are averaging 349.7 yards of total offense against Utah. Opposing teams aren’t scoring much through the air, averaging less than a passing touchdown per game.
4. KU must contain Utah running back Wayshawn Parker. Parker has rushed for 836 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns. He’s averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He also has three receiving touchdowns.
5. Utah will likely be without star defensive end John Henry Daley. According to multiple media reports, he suffered a season-ending lower-leg injury vs. K-State. His absence is a big blow for the Utes. He leads the team in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (17.5).
This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM.
