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Kansas Football Reportedly Interested In Former NFL Running Back TJ Harden
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- Kansas Football Reportedly Interested In Former NFL Running Back TJ Harden
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Kansas Football Reportedly Interested In Former NFL Running Back TJ Harden
Kansas football may not be done adding to its 2026 roster. According to On3's Pete Nakos, the Jayhawks are among several programs showing interest in former UCLA and SMU running back TJ Harden, joining Baylor, Kentucky and Syracuse.
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Harden's situation is one of the more unusual stories created by the NCAA's recent eligibility changes. After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, Harden signed with the Cleveland Browns before being released. He then joined the Seattle Seahawks and appeared in a preseason game, recording one yard on two carries.
After Seattle waived him, Harden successfully filed for a temporary restraining order that allows him to pursue another college opportunity while his eligibility case continues.
Harden would bring plenty of experience if Kansas seriously pursued him. Across four collegiate seasons, he rushed for 2,445 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He finished the 2025 season at SMU with 787 rushing yards and a career-high nine touchdowns.
Would Harden fit in Kansas' backfield?
Kansas already appears to have considerable depth at running back.
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Dylan Edwards and Syracuse transfer Yasin Willis are expected to lead the group, while Colorado State transfer Jalen Dupree provides another option. Head coach Lance Leipold has also spoken positively about the backfield throughout fall camp.
That makes it possible Kansas is simply doing its due diligence on an experienced player who unexpectedly became available.
Still, Harden's production and brief NFL experience make him an intriguing option. If the Jayhawks' interest becomes more serious, Kansas could add another proven weapon to an already deep backfield just weeks before the season begins.
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