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Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall Embrace Competition as Kansas Quarterback Battle Continues
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- Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall Embrace Competition as Kansas Quarterback Battle Continues
Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall Embrace Competition as Kansas Quarterback Battle Continues
With Kansas football 's season opener against Long Island University rapidly approaching, the Jayhawks still have not named a starting quarterback. Redshirt junior Cole Ballard and redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall remain locked in one of the Big 12's most intriguing position battles, but both players say the competition has only strengthened the team.
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Speaking during Kansas' media day, Marshall said he has been pleased with his development throughout fall camp and believes the battle has helped elevate both quarterbacks.
"I feel like it's been going good," Marshall said. "I've been trusting the process good. I feel I'm becoming more vocal and helping the guys around me to become better and just get guys going."
Marshall enters his third season in Lawrence after starring at Southfield A&T in Michigan, where he led the program to a Division I state championship. Ballard, meanwhile, is entering his fourth year after joining Kansas as a preferred walk-on in 2023 and has gradually worked his way into the quarterback conversation.
Neither player has extensive game experience, but both spent the past two seasons learning behind former Kansas standout Jalon Daniels .
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Although Daniels has moved on to the NFL after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , Ballard said the former Jayhawk remains a valuable resource for both quarterbacks.
"Me and Coach Z were watching film one day, and we just FaceTimed him," Ballard said. "He's just one of the guys. Whenever we can talk about ball, we talk about ball."
Kansas hopes its revamped supporting cast will ease the transition regardless of who wins the starting job.
The Jayhawks added several key offensive playmakers during the offseason, including former Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards and Buffalo transfer wide receiver Nik McMillan. Both quarterbacks have spent months building chemistry with the new group of receivers.
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"Since the first day they came, we would probably throw three times a week," Ballard said. "During that first spring and then going here, it's been great. I've built up great chemistry with them and a great connection off the field."
Head coach Lance Leipold has previously indicated there is a strong possibility both quarterbacks will see the field this season, though a primary starter is expected to emerge before Kansas opens the year.
For now, Ballard and Marshall continue to push one another while keeping the team's success at the forefront.
Who ultimately earns the first snap remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the Jayhawks heading into the 2026 season, but both quarterbacks appear focused on making the competition benefit the program rather than divide it.
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