Kansas Jayhawks Q&A: Let’s look at the KU QB situation + Self’s starting center
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Tre White is averaging 16 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in Las Vegas.
- A source says Ballard holds a slight edge over Isaiah Marshall for KU's.
- Coach Bill Self said Christian Reeves currently holds the edge for KU’s starting center.
All eyes are on former KU star Darryn Peterson in the NBA Summer League, but former teammate Tre White has put together multiple quality outings in Las Vegas.
White is playing for the Miami Heat as an undrafted free agent. He’s averaging 16 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He has also shot a blistering 38.1% on 3-pointers.
After the NBA Draft, White signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Heat. That means he signed a one-year deal that isn’t guaranteed.
The agreement also includes an optional bonus of up to $75,000, which will be given to the player after he’s waived — as long as White spends at least 60 days with the Heat’s G League team.
That said, White is making a real case to earn a roster spot or a two-way contract. His biggest question mark at KU this past season was his 3-point acumen — he shot 40.3% on 3-pointers for KU in 2025-26.
So far, he’s answered the call in NBA summer action. Let’s see if it pays off with a guaranteed contract.
With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions …
Who’s the starting QB? Who SHOULD be? @TJFsports
According to a program source, Ballard has a slight edge. But he hasn’t totally separated himself from Isaiah Marshall just yet.
Ballard has the stronger arm of the two quarterbacks and has demonstrated that he knows the Jayhawks’ playbook well. Meanwhile, Marshall’s legs are viewed as a real asset by the KU coaching staff.
I personally think it should be Marshall. Ballard might have a higher floor and a better arm, but if you believe in associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki, you have to trust that he can make Marshall’s life easier and amplify his strengths.
I think Ballard is a solid quarterback, but Marshall’s upside is hard to ignore.
Will Lance Leipold finally break through and win an important game vs a KU rival this season? @SSN_Kansas
This is a great question. I think it will be tough to beat Missouri or K-State this season. KU should have a better chance against K-State.
Frankly, beating either of those teams — with a young quarterback at the helm and other roster issues currently unsettled — would be a feather in the cap of the Jayhawks’ 2026 season.
If Marshall isn’t QB1 will he transfer? @BrianShoaf19261
I don’t want to make assumptions for anyone, and this isn’t based on any inside knowledge, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he considers it after the season.
If Marshall loses the job to Ballard, it would be the third time he’s lost a quarterback competition to him. And I’m sure he would like to potentially start, even if that means leaving KU. Let’s see how it all plays out.
Who is Self’s starting C? If the recent addition is cleared who of the three 7footers gets the nod? I’m thinking Paul. @RockChalkJacob
Whether or not Mihailo Mušikić ultimately ends up joining KU, I don’t expect him to be a real contender for the starting center spot. I think it will come down to Paul Mbiya or Christian Reeves.
Kansas coach Bill Self has indicated Reeves holds the edge for the spot at the moment, but Mbiya is getting a real opportunity: Reeves is still recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum.
Mbiya has come back in better shape after an extended period in France and the KU coaching staff was impressed by his overall fitness. I think Reeves might have the edge, but Mbiya still holds a real shot of challenging him — and he is my pick to ultimately win the job.
Oline? QB is biggest issue, but line was a mess last year at several positions. Will it be better? Have we upgraded? @chrisleopold
A program source told The Star that this season’s offensive line has good size overall and is pretty physical. Left tackle Calvin Clements has had a good spring and Cal transfer Nick Morrow has starting experience.
The source also noted that Amir Herring is one of KU’s highest-graded offensive playersm, and that Tavake Tuikolovatu and Connor Stroh are “big and physical.”
The real test, of course, comes when the games begin. After all, the Jayhawks’ offensive line group has multiple newcomers and there will be growing pains with a young quarterback at the helm.
