Kansas Jayhawks Miss 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 Honors

Kansas Jayhawks failed to earn a single spot on the 2026 preseason All‑Big 12 team, a stark reminder that the rebuilding project under head coach Lance Leipold still has work to do. The omission was announced on July 4, 2026, and comes just weeks before the Jayhawks open the season against Long Island University Sharks on September 5.

Why did Kansas miss the preseason list?

The conference panel cited a lack of standout statistics from Kansas players last season. Quarterback Jalon Daniels threw for 2,345 yards but posted a modest 12‑touchdown total, while running back De’Von Achane’s 845 rushing yards fell short of the league’s top rushers. Defensive end Jalen Carter, a senior leader, recorded 5 sacks, a figure that didn’t catch the eye of the selectors. Without a marquee performer, the Jayhawks were simply overlooked.

What does this mean for the coaching staff?

Leipold and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki have been vocal about using the snub as motivation. In a press conference on July 6, Leipold said the team will “prove the voters wrong” and that the lack of preseason accolades will fuel a harder work ethic in practice. Kotelnicki added that the coaching staff will lean on the depth of the roster, especially the emerging sophomore tight end, to create mismatches that could earn individual recognition later in the year.

How will the roster respond?

Players appear ready to turn the disappointment into a rallying point. Daniels told reporters on July 8 that he plans to focus on improving his red‑zone efficiency, a weakness that cost Kansas several scoring opportunities last season. Achane emphasized his commitment to adding another 200 yards on the ground before the season starts, hoping that a strong opening game against LIU will set the tone.

What are the expectations for the upcoming season?

Analysts now view Kansas as a dark‑horse candidate for a bowl bid rather than a conference contender. The Jayhawks enter the schedule with a 3‑2 record in the last five games against Big 12 opponents, showing flashes of competitiveness. Their first test on September 5 against the LIU Sharks will be the first real gauge of whether the team can translate practice intensity into on‑field production.

Can any player still make the All‑Big 12 list later?

Yes. The conference awards mid‑season updates, and strong performances can earn late‑season nods. If Daniels throws for 300 yards and three touchdowns in the opening game, his name could reappear on the radar. Similarly, a breakout defensive showing from Carter or a surprise surge from a freshman cornerback could force voters to reconsider.

The Jayhawks’ exclusion from the preseason team is a clear signal that the program must elevate its individual play to match its collective ambitions. With the season just weeks away, the real test will be whether Kansas can turn this early slight into a catalyst for success.