The Kansas Jayhawks football program is experiencing a significant challenge in player retention as head coach Lance Leipold prepares for another offseason. While the team managed to lose only nine scholarship players to the transfer portal last year—none of whom were expected to play pivotal roles—the current offseason paints a different picture. With the transfer window officially opening on January 2, 2024, seven players have already declared their intention to leave the program, signaling potential turmoil ahead.
Among the most notable departures are safety Lyrik Rawls and linebacker Jon Jon Kamara. Both athletes were anticipated to step into starting positions in the upcoming season, making their exits particularly concerning for Leipold and his coaching staff. This trend of early departures raises questions about the underlying issues within the program, especially given the Jayhawks’ recent performance.
Kansas has struggled on the field, finishing with a 5-7 record in the last two seasons. The defensive unit, under first-year coordinator D.K. McDonald, faced considerable challenges. Rawls, recognized as one of the top open-field tacklers in the conference, and Kamara, who demonstrated significant athletic potential as a redshirt freshman, each represented critical components of the team’s defensive strategy. Their decisions to leave suggest deeper concerns that might not solely revolve around playing time.
Further complicating matters, departures like those of running back Johnny Thompson Jr. and safety Damani Maxson are not expected to have a major impact, as they were not projected to play key roles moving forward. However, the loss of Rawls and Kamara could exacerbate the team’s existing challenges, as they must now seek replacements for these key positions in the transfer portal while also filling gaps left by graduating seniors such as Dean Miller and Justice Finkley.
As the transfer portal approaches its opening, the Jayhawks may face additional announcements regarding player departures. Historically, player retention has not been a significant issue for Leipold and his staff, but ongoing struggles could change that narrative. The decisions made by projected starters like wide receiver Cam Pickett, linebacker Trey Lathan, and quarterbacks Isaiah Marshall and Cole Ballard will be closely monitored. If more influential players choose to exit, Kansas could confront a challenging offseason in building a competitive roster.
The future of Kansas football hangs in the balance as the program navigates this difficult period. With weeks remaining until the transfer portal officially opens, the focus will remain on how the coaching staff adapts and recruits to regain stability and momentum in the program.
