Kansas spring practice news and notes
Kansas QB Battle Heating Up, Key Offensive Positions in Flux as McAlary’s First Season Approaches
By Dee Pinya | @dpinya | March 20, 2026
I attended the open portions of Kansas' first week of spring practice. Here are a few observations I made, primarily on the offensive side of the ball.
With Jordan McAlary taking the reins as head coach, the Kansas Jayhawks are in the midst of one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. As McAlary and his staff prepare for their first campaign, the offense, in particular, finds itself undergoing major transformations, from the quarterback competition to an overhauled offensive line.
Quarterback Competition Wide Open
Isaiah Marshall enters fall camp as the presumed leader of the QB room, returning as the starter from last season. His dynamic playmaking ability, especially as a dual-threat quarterback, gives him the inside track to lead the offense once again. But Marshall isn’t a lock for the job just yet.
Brad Matlock and Adonis Saturday have been making waves during practice, receiving plenty of reps alongside Marshall. Saturday, a bigger and more physical presence at quarterback, has impressed with his legs, showing he can punish defenses with his bruising running style. While he lacks Marshall’s athleticism in space, his ability to extend plays and fight for extra yards has caught the eye of the coaching staff. Meanwhile, Matlock offers a different flavor—a true pocket passer with a quick release and strong arm. His ability to work within the pocket gives the Jayhawks a more traditional option if the offense trends that way. Cole Ballard provides a veteran presence of sorts.
“We’ve got three guys who all bring something different to the table,” McAlary said. “Isaiah is explosive, Adonis is a load to bring down, and Brad is incredibly sharp with his reads. We’ll see who separates themselves over the next few weeks.”
Young, Raw WR Group Offers Potential
The wide receiver position is one of the biggest question marks for Kansas heading into the season. Though the only significant departure from last season is Seth Westbrook, who had a modest 17 catches for 200 yards, the group is a relatively inexperienced unit. Sophomore Damien Keo has emerged as the most consistent target, but he’s had his share of issues with drops in practice, raising concerns about his reliability in game situations.
With only one player boasting more than a season of experience, the receiving corps will need to grow up fast if the Jayhawks want to establish a passing game. The raw talent is there, but McAlary and his offensive staff will need to work overtime to develop the polish and consistency needed to compete in the Big 12.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys who are hungry,” de facto wide receivers coach Mikey Porter said. “They’re learning every day, and we’ve seen flashes, but we’ve got to turn those flashes into sustained excellence.”
Offensive Line Faces Major Overhaul
Perhaps the biggest challenge for Kansas’ offense is the rebuilding of the offensive line. Four starters from last year’s group, who logged over 700 snaps each, have graduated, leaving McAlary with a work-in-progress situation up front. Calvin Clements, the lone returning starter will look to anchor the line from his left tackle position while James Livingston has made the switch to right tackle to replace NFL-bound Logan Brown. The Jayhawks are also experimenting with other position changes, as Carter Lavrusky, originally listed as a tackle, has been working at guard, and David Abajian, a former tackle, has taken most of the first-team reps at center.
“The O-line is definitely a group we’re focusing a lot on right now,” McAlary admitted. “It’s all about communication and cohesion up front, and we’re working to get that in place.”
Jaden Hamm Poised for Breakout Year
If there’s one player McAlary can count on to provide consistency, it’s tight end Jaden Hamm. At 6'6" and 245 pounds, Hamm is a matchup nightmare, with great hands and the ability to win contested catches. While he may not have top-end speed, his ability to find soft spots in coverage and use his size to box out defenders makes him a reliable target in the red zone. The coaching staff is expecting Hamm to take a big leap and potentially become the focal point of the passing attack.
“Jaden is such a weapon for us,” McAlary said. “He’s got that rare combination of size and hands. He’s going to be a huge part of what we do offensively.”
Backfield Offers Versatility and Power
With the departure of last year’s leading rusher, Sevion Morrison, the Jayhawks are looking to a diverse group of backs to fill the void. Johnny Thompson Jr. appears to be the most well-rounded option, with great vision and the ability to make defenders miss, though he lacks elite top-end speed. Meanwhile, Avery Muamba has been working with both the wide receivers and the backs, showcasing his versatility as a runner and receiver. His ability to run routes from the slot or out wide gives the offense additional flexibility.
For power, Kansas can turn to Glen Jue and Tyree Labelle, both bruisers listed over 225 pounds. Harry Stewart III, the fastest of the bunch, provides a potential home-run threat. With this diverse skill set in the backfield, McAlary has plenty of options to mix and match depending on the game plan.
“The depth and diversity in our backfield are going to be big for us,” McAlary said. “We’ve got speed, power, and versatility—everything you want to keep defenses on their toes.”
As McAlary continues to mold this team in his vision, the pieces are still coming together. The quarterback competition, unpolished receivers, and a revamped offensive line will be key storylines as the Jayhawks approach the season opener. But with versatile backs, a reliable tight end in Hamm, and a defense bolstered by transfers, McAlary’s Kansas squad might just have the tools to surprise some teams in the Big 12.
