Players Leaving the Program
Kansas' list of departures small in numbers, big in impact
By Dee Pinya | @dpinya | January 28, 2028
The Kansas Jayhawks' triumphant 2027 national championship season marks the end of an era for a group of players who were instrumental in the program’s meteoric rise. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, these departing players leave an indelible legacy on Kansas football. Here’s a look at the standout contributors who will not return in 2028:
Johnny Thompson Jr.
The heart and soul of Kansas’ offense, Thompson Jr. led the nation in rushing with an astounding 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns. Having exhausted his eligibility, he is projected to be a third- or fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft. His ability to dominate defenses and carry the Jayhawks in critical moments made him a fan favorite.
Avery Muamba
A dynamic complement to Thompson Jr., Muamba electrified fans with 1,528 rushing yards, 440 receiving yards, and 10 total touchdowns. Declaring early for the draft, Muamba is widely projected as a first-round pick and has drawn comparisons to NFL star Christian McCaffrey for his versatility and athleticism.
Keaton Kubecka
The team’s most consistent wide receiver, Kubecka tallied 80 receptions for 828 yards and four touchdowns in 2027. After using up his eligibility, Kubecka leaves as one of the most reliable targets in Kansas history.
Jayden Hamm
The talented tight end battled injuries and eventually ceded his starting role but still contributed significantly during his career. Hamm caught 44 passes for 440 yards and a touchdown in 2026 and added 15 receptions for 114 yards and two scores in his final season. Hamm was also an instrument part of the run game, providing quality blocking.
James Livingston
Standing tall at 6'7", Livingston anchored the offensive line, paving the way for one of the nation’s top rushing attacks. A cornerstone of Kansas’ success in the trenches, Livingston projects as a second-round pick in the NFL Draft.
Marcus Calvin
A force in the middle of the defensive line, Calvin recorded eight sacks over the past two seasons. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses was crucial in high-stakes games.
Tony Terry
Terry cemented his legacy as one of Kansas’ all-time great pass rushers. The defensive end recorded 10.5 sacks in 2027 and 20.5 career sacks, tied for third-most in school history.
Lyle Carreon
A versatile defensive lineman, Carreon proved invaluable during a season plagued by injuries. He contributed two sacks while showcasing his ability to play both inside and outside.
Logan Brantley
Known for his versatility, Brantley transitioned to a pass-rushing role, amassing 6.5 sacks in 2027 and 4.0 in 2026. He also recorded 102 tackles during his Kansas career.
Brian Helena
A special teams stalwart and beloved teammate, Helena contributed 38 tackles and 0.5 sacks in a limited defensive role but was instrumental in fostering team camaraderie.
Jeremiah Moses
One of the most tenacious cornerbacks in Kansas history, Moses recorded 14 interceptions over two seasons, surpassing Aqib Talib’s career total. His 7 interceptions in 2027 solidified his reputation as a playmaker.
Damani Maxson
Despite injuries, Maxson made his mark in the secondary with nine career interceptions, including five in 2027.
Taylor Davis
A steady leader in the secondary, Davis started for three seasons and recorded 11 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 201 tackles in his career. He served as the primary playcaller for the defense in 2027.
Cameren Jenkins
A key rotational player and special teams contributor, Jenkins recorded 32 tackles during his time with the Jayhawks and provided depth in the secondary.
Departing Players List - 2027 Stats
RB Johnny Thompson Jr. - 1,953Yds 22TD
RB Avery Muamba - 1,528Yds 6TD, 440Rec Yds 4TD
WR Keaton Kubecka - 80Rec 828Yds 4TD
TE Jayden Hamm - 15Rec 114Yds 2TD
LT James Livingston - 1,317DP 5Sck
DT Marcus Calvin - 13Tkl 5.5Sck
DE Tony Terry - 29Tkl 12TFL 10.5Sck
DL Lyle Carreon - 8Tkl 2.0Sck
OLB Logan Brantley - 24Tkl 7TFL 6.5Sck
LB Brian Helena - 1Tkl 0.5Sck
CB Jeremiah Moses - 62Tkl 7Int
CB Damani Maxson - 43Tkl 5Int
SS Taylor Davis - 75Tkl 5Int
SS Cameren Jenkins - 17Tkl
As these players embark on the next chapter of their journeys, Kansas football bids them farewell with gratitude for their contributions. Their efforts have forever etched their names in Jayhawk history.
While the total number of players lost is modest, their impact on the field is enormous.
Kansas will have to replace the dynamic duo of Johnny Thompson Jr. and Avery Muamba, who combined for an astonishing 4,043 total yards and 33 touchdowns in 2027. With both headed for the NFL, the Jayhawks will look to a committee approach at running back featuring Harry Stewart III, Glen Jue, and Tyree LaBelle. Each will need to step up to maintain Kansas’ dominant ground game, while quarterback Isaiah Marshall will be expected to elevate his performance as the team transitions to a more pass-heavy offense.
Replacing Keaton Kubecka, Marshall’s go-to target in 2027 with 80 receptions, will also be critical. A receiver capable of providing the same reliability in key moments has yet to emerge. Tight end Trey’Dez Green, who took over the starting role this past season, will need to improve as a run blocker to help stabilize the offense.
One of the toughest positions to fill will be left tackle, where James Livingston, the cornerstone of the offensive line, leaves big shoes to fill. The Jayhawks will need a new anchor to protect Marshall and provide the consistency that Livingston delivered.
Defensively, the Jayhawks are losing a wealth of pass-rushing firepower with Tony Terry, Marcus Calvin, and Logan Brantley departing. The trio combined for 22.5 sacks in 2027, and their absence will put pressure on returning players to step up. Kansas will rely heavily on the return of Greydon Grimes, who dominated in 2026 with 14.5 sacks before injuries limited him in 2027. Paired with rising star Hugh Busby, the coaching staff hopes the duo can replicate the havoc Grimes and Terry caused in 2026.
In the middle of the defensive line, Terrelle Warren is expected to take over for Calvin. Warren’s ability to clog running lanes and collapse the pocket will be crucial as the team looks to maintain its defensive dominance. At linebacker, the loss of Brantley’s versatility will be felt, but the position group is less impacted overall from a production standpoint.
The secondary faces significant challenges with the departure of Jeremiah Moses, Damani Maxson, and Taylor Davis. Moses and Maxson combined for 22 interceptions in two seasons, and Davis’ leadership as the defensive playcaller will be missed. Kansas will look to Jalen Todd, Terrence Yates, and Jabari Koloamatangi to step up at cornerback, though the group lacks depth. Yates brings the most experience, having played 899 snaps in 2027, while Koloamatangi logged just 96 snaps, mostly on special teams. At safety, either Reynaldo Capers or Nico Brewer will need to fill the void left by Davis.
Adding to the challenge is a coaching transition on defense, with former defensive coordinator Chris Polizzi leaving for the head coaching job at Utah State. Defensive assistant Joe Bolden has been promoted to the role after his impressive interim performance during the playoffs. Bolden will be tasked with maintaining the unit’s high standards while integrating new faces into the lineup.
For Kansas head coach Jordan McAlary, the changes are an opportunity rather than a setback.
“We thrive on this stuff,” McAlary said. “It’s part of what’s great about college football. We look forward to seeing who steps up and fills those roles, as well as the challenge of adapting our systems to the players we have now. It’s ever-changing, and we love it.”
As the Jayhawks enter 2028, they’ll rely on a blend of rising stars and strategic adjustments to continue their success. While the losses are significant, Kansas has built a culture that embraces the challenges of transition, and the program’s foundation remains strong.
