Staff Picks: Our 2026 Kansas Football Record Predictions

There are a lot of mixed reviews about how the 2026 Kansas football team will perform. Losing Jalen Daniels hurts considerably, and the Jayhawks have a new group of skill-position players and defenders looking to bring some excitement back to the football program.

What do our three experts at Kansas on SI think about the Jayhawks heading into the season? Here are all three of our final record predictions and an explanation of why.

Joshua Schulman

Aside from two shoo-in victories at the start of the campaign, no game is certain for the 2026 KU squad. Two early-season games against Missouri and Arizona State will undoubtedly set the tone for how the season goes. There are undeniable concerns about the secondary and quarterback position that probably won't be answered in full until a few weeks into the season. Trust me, I get the pessimism around KU football. I do. But I think people are truly understating the impact Andy Kotelnicki's return will have on the offense. We forget that we were dealing with Jeff Grimes calling inside handoffs on third and long in 2024 and countless defensive collapses over the past two years. The numbers game eventually has to play in the Jayhawks' favor... right? How many more late-game leads can they blow?

Kotelnicki should fix the offensive shortcomings, leaving it up to DK McDonald and the defense to resolve their issues from last year. The schedule may not be entirely favorable, but the Jayhawks do get matchups like UCF at home and West Virginia on the road, along with a few other toss-ups. If Kansas can learn to close out games this season (and I recognize that is a huge if), getting back to a bowl game is absolutely within reach. — Schulman

Record Prediction: 6-6

Dillon Davis

I'm predicting another frustrating year for Kansas football. There are huge question marks at the most important position on the field (quarterback) and the offensive line has some too. KU's defense has a chance to be one of the Big 12's best if they live up to their potential, but defensive coordinator DK McDonald has as much - if not the most - to prove of anyone on this year's staff.

All of that combined with a schedule that does the team little favors and home games weakened by a stadium under partial construction, has this feeling like another 5-7 season at best. — Davis

Record Prediction: 5-7

Nick Springer

This is a tricky season for KU football. Overall this team may be more talented and have more college experience across the board thanks to the transfer portal, but the biggest question mark is at the most important position: quarterback. Andy Kotelnicki’s return must work for this offense no matter who the Jayhawks start at QB. They have the weapons at the skill positions to be successful.

On defense DK McDonald has to show that he learned from his first year at the helm in 2025. Over the past 2 seasons KU is 2-7 in one score games. I think some of that luck will swing back their way in 2026. I trust Andy Kotelnicki’s ability as a playcaller and despite a difficult schedule I think this KU team can make a bowl game. — Springer

Record Prediction: 7-5

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