The McAlary Effect
The McAlary Effect
Avoid Thomas Orndoff, clearly
The McAlary Effect
I think he's a cracker like the dude at LATech that got us twice too
The McAlary Effect
Saturday September 23, 2028
---
Lawrence, Kansas - Behind a balanced, explosive offense and a relentless defensive effort, No. 2 Kansas rolled past TCU 45-21 on Saturday to remain unbeaten and further solidify its College Football Playoff hopes.
Quarterback Isaiah Marshall was the star of the show, accounting for five total touchdowns—four through the air and one on the ground—while piling up 371 total yards (217 passing, 154 rushing). Marshall spread the ball around to a deep group of playmakers and controlled the tempo from start to finish.
The Jayhawks (4-0) broke open a 14-14 game in the second quarter with a 21-point eruption, capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass to Rashard Slay as the clock expired before halftime. It was one of two touchdown grabs for Slay, who finished with four catches for 59 yards.
Kansas finished the day with 493 yards of total offense, including 276 yards on the ground. Running back Harry Stewart III played a key complementary role, grinding out 97 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while also catching four passes out of the backfield. Marshall and Stewart together helped Kansas dominate possession, holding the ball for over 40 minutes.
Trey'dez Green led all receivers with six catches for 93 yards, while Jared Marciano added 51 yards on two receptions and set up a goal-line opportunity with a momentum-shifting punt return early in the first quarter. Damien Keo and Morgan Cooke also caught touchdown passes from Marshall, who finished 24-of-34 through the air.
On the other side of the ball, the Kansas defense swarmed TCU’s offense and kept quarterback Hauss Hejny under pressure all day. The Jayhawks tallied five sacks—credited to Braxton Slater, T.J. Harbor, Seth Sahara, Hugh Busby, and a split effort by Donte Cantrell and Greydon Grimes. Safety David Tripp added the game’s lone turnover with a second-half interception, helping Kansas keep the Horned Frogs scoreless for nearly two full quarters in the second half.
TCU (2-2) managed just 13 first downs and 322 total yards, struggling to find rhythm against a disciplined Kansas front. Hejny threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, but the Frogs went just 3-for-10 on third downs and couldn’t keep pace once Kansas turned up the pressure.
With the win, Kansas moves to 4-0 and remains at the top of the Big 12 race. Head coach Jordan McAlary’s team continues to impress with its physicality, poise, and depth, and will look to build on its momentum as October unfolds.
“Championship football is about stacking complete games,” McAlary said postgame. “And that—right there—was a complete Kansas performance.”
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
KU – Damien Keo 1-yard pass from Isaiah Marshall (Shaq Durham kick), 9:30
TCU – Hauss Hejny 26-yard run (Gideon Body kick), 2:30
Second Quarter
KU – Harry Stewart III 1-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 8:31
TCU – Brian Jefferson 21-yard pass from Hauss Hejny (Gideon Body kick), 5:35
KU – Morgan Cooke 7-yard pass from Isaiah Marshall (Shaq Durham kick), 0:36
KU – Rashard Slay 25-yard pass from Isaiah Marshall (Shaq Durham kick), 0:00
Third Quarter
KU – Rashard Slay 15-yard pass from Isaiah Marshall (Shaq Durham kick), 5:10
Fourth Quarter
KU – Shaq Durham 33-yard field goal, 10:53
KU – Isaiah Marshall 4-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 6:08
TCU – Brian Jefferson 54-yard pass from Hauss Hejny (Gideon Body kick), 4:42
Key Statistics
Passing – I. Marshall 24/34 217Yds 4TD
Rushing – I. Marshall 17Car 154Yds 1TD, H. Stewart 23Car 97Yds 1TD
Receiving – R. Slay 4Rec 59Yds 2TD, T. Green 6Rec 56Yds, J. Marciano 2Rec 51Yds, H. Stewart III 4Rec 23Yds, M. Cooke 6Rec 20Yds 1TD, D. Keo 2Rec 8Yds 1TD
Tackles – S. Sahara 6, R. Paredes 5, D. Cantrell 5
Sacks – B. Slater 1.0, T. Harbor 1.0, S. Sahara 1.0, H. Busby 1.0, D. Cantrell 0.5, G. Grimes 0.5
Takeaways – D. Tripp 1Int
Special Teams - S. Durham 1/2FG 6/6XP, J. Marciano 2KR 31Yds 5PR 85Yds
Passing – H. Hejny 16/25 217Yds 2TD 1Int
Rushing – H. Hejny 11Car 56Yds 1TD, D. Ezukanma 2Car 25Yds, N. Palmer 10Car 24Yds
Receiving – B. Jefferson 4Rec 87Yds 2TD, B. Alba 4Rec 43Yds, N. Palmer 3Rec 39Yds
Tackles – C. Ballard 18, J. Babcock 16
Sacks – T. Osgood 0.5, T. Johnson 0.5, N. Teague 0.5, C. Ballard 0.5
Takeaways – N/A
Special Teams – G. Body 3/3XP, D. Valoaga 6Pt 229Yds
Up Next
The McAlary Effect
vs TCU Saturday September 23, 2028
The McAlary Effect
McAlary speaks after win over TCU
On Isaiah Marshall’s performance:
"He was surgical. That’s the best way I can describe it. He saw the field, made smart decisions, used his legs when we needed a spark. You don’t see many quarterbacks who can throw for four touchdowns and still beat you with 150 on the ground. That’s a special, special player."
On Marshall’s Heisman candidacy:
"Look, I know there are a lot of great players across the country, but if Isaiah Marshall isn't in that Heisman conversation right now, then what are we even doing? He’s putting this team on his back every week, and doing it against high-level competition. That trophy is supposed to go to the most outstanding player in college football—and he’s making one hell of a case."
On Marshall's leadership and growth:
"Isaiah’s grown into the heartbeat of this team. He doesn’t flinch in big moments. When things get chaotic, he’s the calm. You can scheme up all the Xs and Os you want, but when you’ve got a guy like him, you just trust he’s going to find a way."
On the overall team performance:
"That was a complete win. We ran the ball, threw it with purpose, controlled the tempo, and our defense made life hard for them. But make no mistake—Isaiah set the tone. He made everyone around him better today."
Cantrell, Busby avoid significant injuries, will play against BYU
Kansas emerged from its 45-21 win over TCU in good shape on the injury front, avoiding any significant setbacks heading into next week’s matchup with BYU. Defensive end Donte Cantrell and linebacker Hugh Busby both missed time during the game due to minor issues but have since been cleared to play. Head coach Jordan McAlary confirmed postgame that both defenders will be full-go for the upcoming road trip to Provo.
The McAlary Effect
Kansas Lands Four-Star Center Ezekial Everett as First Commit of the Cycle
The 2029 recruiting cycle is officially underway for Kansas football—and it’s starting with a bang.
The Jayhawks have secured a commitment from four-star center Ezekial Everett, one of the top interior linemen in the country. A powerful 6-foot-3, 294-pound mauler out of Lakeville North High School in Lakeville, Minnesota, Everett is ranked as the No. 2 center nationally and the No. 58 overall prospect in the 2026 class.
Landing Everett is a major early statement for head coach Jordan McAlary and his staff as they look to build off back-to-back successful seasons and cement Kansas as a national contender. Known for his strength at the point of attack, high football IQ, and ability to anchor an offensive line, Everett projects as a future leader up front for the Jayhawks.
“Zeke is the kind of tone-setter you want in the middle of your offensive line,” one recruiting analyst said. “He’s physical, disciplined, and already plays with a college-level understanding of protection schemes.”
Everett chose Kansas over offers from several Big Ten and SEC programs, drawn in by the staff’s vision for the future and the opportunity to contribute early.
“I’m fired up to be a Jayhawk,” Everett said. “The energy around this program is different right now. Coach McAlary is building something special, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. I’m ready to get to work and help bring championships to Lawrence.”
Everett’s commitment gives Kansas a foundational piece in the trenches and a marquee name to headline the 2029 class as it takes shape. With recruiting momentum building, the Jayhawks appear poised to once again punch above their weight on the national stage.
Four-Star DE Sua Alualu Commits to Auburn Over Kansas
Kansas came up short in its pursuit of four-star defensive end Sua Alualu, as the West Monroe (La.) standout announced his commitment to Auburn on Saturday. Alualu, a physically gifted edge rusher with a relentless motor, had been a top target for the Jayhawks throughout the cycle. Despite a strong push from Kansas, the 6-foot-4 pass rusher ultimately chose to continue his career in the SEC.
Four-Star OLB Tyrone Slayton Locks Out Kansas
In a tough blow to the in-state recruiting efforts, four-star outside linebacker Tyrone Slayton from Cimarron, Kansas has officially locked out the Jayhawks from his recruitment. Slayton, one of the top defensive prospects in the Midwest, had long been on Kansas’ radar, but the 6-foot-1, 233-pound playmaker has narrowed down his choices. Kansas State sits atop his list while Nebraska and Arkansas round out his top three choices.
The McAlary Effect
Kansas steamrolls TCU, Isaiah Marshall strengthens Heisman campaign
Clemson survives late push from Pitt to stay No. 1
Georgia dominates Memphis to stay perfect at 3-0
Alabama climbs after impressive road win over Oklahoma State
Notre Dame edges Purdue to stay in the top five
LSU handles Ole Miss in SEC showdown, jumps to No. 12
Colorado stuns Utah, earns first win and vaults into Top 25
Miami tumbles to No. 25 after stunning home loss to Stanford
USC, North Carolina, and Penn State drop from rankings
Top 25 Media Poll
01. Clemson (3-0)
02. Kansas (4-0)
03. Georgia (3-0)
04. Cincinnati (4-0)
05. Notre Dame (3-1)
06. Auburn (3-0)
07. Ohio State (3-1)
08. Alabama (2-1)
09. Texas A&M (3-1)
10. Florida State (2-1)
11. Washington (3-1)
12. LSU (3-0)
13. Nebraska (3-1)
14. Tulane (3-1)
15. Louisville (3-0)
16. Michigan (2-1)
17. Pittsburgh (2-2)
18. Oregon (2-2)
19. Colorado (1-2)
20. Ole Miss (2-2)
21. Oregon State (3-1)
22. Arizona (2-1)
23. UAB (2-1)
24. BYU (3-0)
25. Miami (4-1)
Dropped from rankings: USC, North Carolina, Penn State
Others receiving votes: Arkansas (189), Oklahoma (109), Tennessee (96), SMU (57), UConn (24)
National Players of the Week
Defensive: Mssissippi State DE James Clutts – 9Tkl 6Sck, W 35-7 vs FCS West
Offensive: Northwestern WR Austin Smoker – 8Rec 248Yds 3TD, W 41-38 vs USC
Miami WR Dave Boone – 2Rec 29Yds 2Car 33Yds, L 24-30 vs Stanford
Kansas QB Isaiah Marshall – 217Yds 4TD 154RYds 1RTD, W 45-21 vs TCU
Cal QB Sam Tukuafu – 247Yds 2TD, W 27-7 vs FCS East
WVU QB Mailau Tupa – 268Yds 3TD, 20RYds 1RTD, L 35-37 @ Cincinnati
Texas WR Eli Joe – 5Rec 113Yds 1TD 2Car 25RYds 1RTD, W 31-9 vs Kentucky
Big 12 Scores
Kansas 45 – 21 TCU
Alabama 33 – 30 Oklahoma State
UCF 24 – 19 Iowa State
Cincinnati 37 – 35 West Virginia
Kansas State 35 – 28 Colorado State
Maryland 28 – 14 Arizona State
Arizona 27 – 10 Penn State
Colorado 35 – 34 Utah
Houston 23 – 20 Sam Houston
Big 12 Players of the Week
Defensive: Oklahoma State CB Javell Jenkins – 1 Tkl, 2 Int, 1 TD
Offensive: Cincinnati WR Tra’Mar Harris – 10 Rec, 219 Yds, 3 TDs, 21.9 Avg
Big 12 Conference Standings
1. Cincinnati (4-0, 1-0)
2. Colorado (1-2, 0-1)
3. Kansas (4-0, 1-0)
4. UCF (3-1, 1-0)
5. West Virginia (4-1, 2-1)
6. Arizona (2-1, 0-0)
7. Arizona State (2-1, 0-0)
8. Baylor (0-3, 0-2)
9. BYU (3-0, 0-0)
10. Houston (1-2, 1-1)
11. Kansas State (2-1, 0-0)
12. Iowa State (2-2, 0-1)
13. Oklahoma State (1-2, 0-1)
14. TCU (2-2, 0-1)
15. Texas Tech (1-2, 0-1)
16. Utah (2-2, 0-1)
Week 5 Big 12 Schedule
#2 Kansas at #24 BYU
#19 Colorado at #7 Ohio State
Utah at Arizona State
Oklahoma State at Baylor
West Virginia at #22 Arizona
Texas Tech at Iowa State
UCF at TCU
Kansas State at Houston
The McAlary Effect
vs #24 BYU 3-0 Saturday September 30, 2028 | 12:00PM | LaVell Edwards Stadium | Provo, Utah
---
Team Schedule
W 30-25 @ Coastal Carolina
W 52-16 vs FCS Southeast
W 28-26 vs Ole Miss
Team Leaders
Passing | QB Alphonso Gold 827Yds 9TD 4Int
Rushing | HB Ahmad Antwine 229Yds 5TD, QB Alphonso Gold 76Yds
Receiving | TE Sergio Sousa 189Yds 2TD, WR Jordan Ogundeji 188Yds 4TD, WR Brian Saldiveri 134Yds
Tackles | LB Sam Gold 20, FS Rick Eagles 14, CB Jabari Allen 14
Sacks | LB Alex Jackson 3.5, DE Will Bartow 2.5, LB Sam Gold 1.5
Interceptions | CB Therrian Alexander 2, LB Sam Gold 1, FS Rick Eagles 1
Injuries
Kansas – CB Jalen Todd, FS Nico Brewer
BYU – DE J.C. Stick, MLB Ben Stick
The McAlary Effect
Big Zeke with the grand opening Both squads looking good, you and Cincy.
Weird seeing Oregon so far down the poll
The McAlary Effect
Saturday September 30, 2028
---
Provo, Utah - Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall led the charge once again, racking up 445 total yards and three touchdowns as the Jayhawks went into LaVell Edwards Stadium and knocked off No. 24 BYU, 31-17, in a convincing road win that pushes KU’s record to 5-0 on the season.
Marshall, already drawing Heisman buzz, rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns, including a pair of early scores that helped Kansas build a 17-3 halftime lead. He also passed for 258 yards and a touchdown, a strike to Morgan Cooke in the third quarter that padded the lead to 24-3.
Despite the dominant performance, Marshall’s second half wasn’t without blemish. Two interceptions — including a tipped ball in the end zone intended for tight end Trey’Dez Green — allowed BYU to briefly rally. The Cougars cut the deficit to 24-17 in the fourth with a short touchdown pass and a pick-six by Therrian Alexander.
Kansas, however, responded with poise. Harry Stewart III capped a methodical drive with a 3-yard touchdown run with under two minutes to play, sealing the victory. Stewart finished with 112 yards and a score on 21 carries, complementing Marshall in the run game.
Cooke led all Kansas receivers with 7 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. The Jayhawks controlled time of possession and rolled up 557 total yards of offense.
Defensively, Kansas kept BYU quarterback Alphonso Gold in check. Gold managed just 160 yards on 14-of-26 passing and was sacked three times. Terrelle Warren, Greydon Grimes, and Donte Cantrell each registered a sack, while the Jayhawks held the Cougars to just 67 yards on the ground.
BYU’s only offensive touchdown came in the final quarter, a short pass to Sergio Sousa. Kicker Greg McQuaide added a 41-yard field goal late in the first half.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
KU – Isaiah Marshall 7 yd run (Shaq Durham kick), 6:06
2nd Quarter
KU – Isaiah Marshall 10 yd run (Shaq Durham kick), 10:22
KU – Shaq Durham 22 yd FG, 2:54
BYU – Greg McQuaide 41 yd FG, 1:03
3rd Quarter
KU – Morgan Cooke 8 yd pass from Isaiah Marshall (Shaq Durham kick), 8:37
4th Quarter
BYU – Sergio Sousa 3 yd pass from Alphonso Gold (Greg McQuaide kick), 9:58
BYU – Therrian Alexander 38 yd interception return (Greg McQuaide kick), 8:05
KU – Harry Stewart III 3 yd run (Shaq Durham kick), 1:57
Key Statistics
Passing – I. Marshall 21/34 258Yds 1TD 2Int
Rushing – I. Marshall 26Car 187Yds 2TD, H. Stewart 22Car 112Yds 1TD
Receiving – M. Cooke 7Rec 91Yds 1TD, J. Marciano 4Rec 46Yds, D. Keo 3Rec 40Yds, T. Green 3Rec 36Yds
Tackles – J. Koloamatangi 5, T. Yates 5
Sacks – T. Warren 1.0, D. Cantrell 1.0, G. Grimes 1.0
Takeaways – N/A
Special Teams - S. Durham 1/1FG 4/4XP
Passing – A. Gold 14/26 160Yds 1TD
Rushing – G. Blount 4Car 27Yds, A. Gold 13Car 26Yds, A. Antwine 6Car 12YDs
Receiving – J. Ogundeji 6Rec 71Yds, B. Saldiveri 4Rec 67Yds, S. Sousa 2Rec 7Yds1TD
Tackles – Z. Claybrooks 17, M. Whittaker 12
Sacks – Z. Claybrooks 2.5, D. Johnson 2.0, A. Mekari 1.0, J. Cullen 0.5
Takeaways – T. Alexander 2Int 1TD
Special Teams – G. McQuaide 1/1FG 2/2XP, J. Obi 6PT 257Yds
Up Next
