Kansas is just hours away from a Week One matchup against FCS opponent Wagner. Last week, in a Week Zero game against Fresno State, sixth-year quarterback Jalon Daniels made an immediate impact.
The Lawndale, California native put up an outstanding stat line, completing 18 of 20 passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns, while posting an 87.0 QBR according to ESPN—the highest in the NCAA for Week Zero.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg spoke with several NCAA coaches about the top quarterbacks, including Daniels. One Big 12 coach said, “I really like the Kansas guy; he’s probably my favorite in the league. When push comes to shove, that guy knows how to just stay calm and make stuff happen.”
However, questions about his consistency remain. Another coach noted, “The Kansas kid is hit and miss. He’s kind of hot and cold, but he’s a heck of an athlete.”
Daniels faced similar challenges last season. In the first five games, he struggled with inconsistency, throwing five touchdowns against eight interceptions. But as Kansas began to find its rhythm, so did Daniels, finishing the year with nine touchdowns and just four interceptions. The Jayhawks went 4-3 over their final seven games, narrowly missing a bowl appearance after a 45-17 loss to Baylor.
With the addition of transfer wideouts Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and Cam Pickett, both of whom impressed in last week’s debut, Daniels has more weapons at his disposal. Fans can next see him and the Jayhawks in action at David Booth Memorial Stadium when Kansas hosts Wagner at 6:30 PM CT.
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