Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall Discuss Ongoing Kansas QB Battle at Media Day

The biggest question going into the 2026 Kansas football season is who will take the majority of snaps at quarterback. It's coming down to a two-man battle between Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall, two inexperienced signal-callers with a lot to prove.

Ballard is entering his fourth year with the program after joining as a preferred walk-on in 2023. Marshall is entering his third year after coming to Kansas from Southfield A&T in Michigan, where he led the school to a Division I state title as a senior.

During KU's media day earlier this week, both players discussed the ongoing quarterback battle and how they're approaching it. Marshall is embracing the competition and believes the duel is making both players better.

"I feel like it's been going good," Marshall said about his progress in fall camp. "I've been trusting the process good. I feel I'm becoming more vocal and helping the guys around me to become better and just get guys going."

Both quarterbacks sat behind Jalon Daniels a year ago and learned a lot from him during their time together. Although Daniels is now doing his own thing in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the two have remained in contact with the California native and still turn to him for advice.

"Me and [Coach Z] were watching film one day, and we just FaceTimed him. He's just one of the guys," Ballard said. "Whenever we can talk about ball, we talk about ball."

While there are questions about how each quarterback will perform in his first year as a full-time starter, the Jayhawks made several significant additions at the skill positions this offseason. Those include Kansas State transfer Dylan Edwards and former Buffalo wideout Nick McMillan.

Both quarterbacks are excited to work with the new-look group and believe those additions will make their jobs much easier.

"Since the first day [the wide receivers] came, we would probably throw three times a week. During that, the first spring and then going here, it's been great. I've built up great chemistry with them and a great connection off the field."

With the season opener against Long Island just two weeks away, head coach Lance Leipold will have to make his decision soon. KU has two promising quarterbacks competing for the opportunity to lead the Jayhawks' offense to success this season.

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