I think we will be 13-0 going into the playoffs with wins over WVU, Colorado and Houston to wrap up our regular season. Looking at a few potential opponents in the Big XII championship still but I think we can handle them. Once we get into the CFP anything can happen, there are some extremely good teams we could run into.
The McAlary Effect
The McAlary Effect
The McAlary Effect
”That's the nature of college football.” McAlary says
By Dee Pinya | @dpinya | November 1, 2028
QUARTERBACK ISAIAH MARSHALL LEADS A LONG LIST OF UPCOMING DEPARTURES
As the Kansas Jayhawks chase a potential College Football Playoff berth this season, storm clouds are already gathering on the horizon when it comes to roster turnover. Head coach Jordan McAlary and his staff could be looking at one of the most significant waves of player departures in program history once the 2028 season concludes.
Kansas is set to lose 20 seniors, a group packed with major contributors on both sides of the ball. Offensive leaders such as quarterback Isaiah Marshall, running back Harry Stewart III, wide receivers Rashard Slay and Damien Keo, and tight end Trey'Dez Green are all in their final seasons. The offensive line will also be hit hard, with Sean Herman, Carter Lavrusky, Harrison Utley, Alex Ball, and David Abajian all set to graduate.
Defensively, the Jayhawks will say goodbye to impact players like defensive ends Greydon Grimes and Hugh Busby, as well as a core group of linebackers including Seth Sahara, Kaleb Harris, Roddy Orr, Jayvaun Russell, and Richard Paredes. The secondary will also be significantly thinned out with cornerbacks Jalen Todd, Terrence Yates, and Avery Demery all wrapping up their college careers.
Adding to the uncertainty is the possibility of several underclassmen declaring early for the NFL Draft. Offensive tackles Colby Heimburger and Damian Hixon, guard Martin Rudock, defensive tackle T.J. Harbor, linebacker Donte Cantrell and safety David Tripp are all considered candidates to forgo their remaining eligibility.
While McAlary and his staff have been aggressive on the recruiting trail to prepare for the looming turnover, replacing the leadership, experience, and sheer talent of this group will be no small task. For now, Kansas is focused on finishing the season strong, but the program will face a major reloading effort once the 2028 campaign comes to a close.
Confirmed Departures (Seniors)
QB Isaiah Marshall – 10,000+ Total Yards, 108 Total TDs
RB Harry Stewart III – 1,600+ Total Yards, 13 Total TDs
WR Rashard Slay – 637 Rec Yds, 6 rec TDs
WR Damien Keo – 2,288 Rec Yds, 26 Rec TDs
TE Trey'Dez Green – 1,060 Rec Yds, 8 Rec TDs
OL Sean Herman – Versatile OL reserve
G Carter Lavrusky – Three Year Starter, 41 Games played
OL Harrison Utley – Versatile IOL reserve, rotational player, 36 Games played
C Alex Ball – Three Year Starter, 39 Games played
OL David Abajian – Reserve, Great locker room presence
DE Greydon Grimes – 2 Year Starter, 27.0 Sacks, 45 Games played
DE Hugh Busby – 11.5 Sacks
LB Seth Sahara – 2 Year Starter, 85 Tkl, 10.5 Sacks, 1 TD, 34 Games played
LB Kaleb Harris – Versatile LB/S hybrid, 17 Tkl
LB Roddy Orr – Three Year Starter, 259 Tkl, 9.0 Sacks, 4 Interceptions, 1 TD, Defensive leader
LB Jayvaun Russell – Two Year Starter, 144 Tkl, 7 Interceptions, 2 TD, 50 Games played
LB Richard Paredes – Versatile rotational player, Vocal leader, 23 Tkl, 1.0 Sacks
CB Jalen Todd – Two Year Starter, 128 Tkl, 8 Interceptions, 1 TD, 43 games played
CB Terrence Yates – 131 Tkl, 10 Interceptions, 1 TD , 36 Games played
CB Avery Demery – Great leader and locker room presence
Possible Early Departures (Underclassmen)
LT Colby Heimburger – Starting LT, NFL size (6'6”, 308), 2 Sacks allowed
RT Damian Hixon – 2 Year starter at RT, 6'7”, 329
RG Martin Rudock – Starter at RG, 6'4”, 291, Agile, Strong run blocker
DT T.J. Harbor – Strong interior DL who can play multiple techniques and get after the QB, 9.0 Sacks
LB Donte Cantrell – 2 Year starter, 152 Tkl, 4.5 Sck
S David Tripp – 2 Year starter, Can play multiple positions in the secondary, 86 Tkl, 5 Interceptions, 0.5 Sack
Coach Jordan McAlary on the Potential Roster Turnover:
"That's the nature of college football — every year, you build, develop, and prepare for the next wave. We’re going to lose a lot of great players, no doubt, but that’s also a credit to them and the work they've put in. Our job is to keep the standard high and trust the young guys to rise to the challenge. We’ve recruited well, we’ve developed well, and we’re excited about the future, just like we’re focused on finishing this season the right way."
The McAlary Effect
at West Virginia Thursday November 9, 2028
The McAlary Effect
Kansas Bolsters Elite 2029 Class with Commitments from October and Slade
Kansas football continues its hot streak on the recruiting trail, landing two more blue-chip prospects in outside linebacker Ron October and offensive guard Kane Slade. The additions give the Jayhawks three five-star recruits and nine four-stars in the 2029 cycle, vaulting them to the No. 8 overall class in the nation and the top spot in the Big 12.
October, a 6'3", 235-pound power-rushing linebacker from Mesquite, Texas, brings physicality and edge-setting ability to the defensive front. Ranked as the No. 16 outside linebacker in the country, he fits the mold of Kansas’ aggressive, downhill defensive scheme under head coach Jordan McAlary.
Slade, meanwhile, is a massive 6'5", 283-pound agile interior lineman out of Saint Louis, Missouri. With excellent mobility for his size and a strong anchor in pass protection, he could be a Day 1 contributor along the offensive line.
“These are two guys we targeted early and are thrilled to have in the fold,” McAlary said. “Ron gives us another explosive piece on defense, and Kane’s a tone-setter up front. We’re proud of this class so far—and fired up about the rest of the players we’re still in on. We’re not finished.”
With the 2029 class shaping up to be one of the best in school history, the Jayhawks are clearly building for sustained success under McAlary’s leadership.
The McAlary Effect
Looks to be another good season. How are you liking doing the gfx updates?