KANSAS

Jalon Daniels Returns to Kansas for 2025: What You Need to Know

The Jayhawks' top quarterback is set to return for another season.
Mathey Gibson|
Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) scrambles the ball past a defender during the 4th quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) scrambles the ball past a defender during the 4th quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images | Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

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Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels isn’t going anywhere—he’s locked in for 2025, his final college season, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. Daniels has been the face of the Jayhawks’ offense for years, and his return gives Kansas stability under center as they look to keep building on their success.

Over his five seasons in Lawrence, Daniels has racked up 6,751 passing yards and 45 touchdowns, cementing his place in Jayhawks history. This season, he completed 57% of his passes for 2,454 yards, throwing 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. On the ground, he added another layer to his game with 447 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 93 carries.

The NIL Factor

Daniels’ return is a prime example of how NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals are changing the game. Schools now have more tools to keep star players in the fold, and Daniels’ decision to stay puts him among the growing list of athletes making the most of those opportunities.

What’s Next for Kansas’ Quarterbacks?

While Daniels’ return is great news for the Jayhawks, it raises questions about the quarterback depth chart. What does this mean for Cole Ballard, the current backup, or Isaiah Marshall, the highly touted freshman from last season?

Daniels is set to lead Kansas into what could be a big season, but it’ll be interesting to see how the coaching staff manages the development of their younger quarterbacks. For now, though, Kansas fans can breathe easy knowing their leader is back for one last ride.

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Mathey Gibson
MATHEY GIBSON

Mathey Gibson is the Managing Editor for the Kansas Jayhawks On SI. A graduate of the University of Alabama, he has extensive experience covering major college sports, including reporting on Crimson Tide athletics since 2019 for outlets like Alabama Crimson Tide On SI, The Crimson White, and Tide Illustrated. Now focused on Kansas, Gibson has covered significant events such as the NCAA Tournament, College World Series, and the College Football Playoff, bringing a deep understanding of collegiate athletics to one of the nation’s premier programs.

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