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Lance Leipold Optimistic About Kansas' New-Look Backfield Ahead of 2026 Season
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- Lance Leipold Optimistic About Kansas' New-Look Backfield Ahead of 2026 Season
(USA TODAY Network)
Lance Leipold Optimistic About Kansas' New-Look Backfield Ahead of 2026 Season
Kansas football enters the 2026 season with uncertainty at quarterback, but one position group appears to be a clear strength. The Jayhawks' running back room features a blend of speed, power, and experience that could become one of the team's biggest offensive advantages.
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Head coach Lance Leipold spoke highly of the unit during his first fall camp press conference, emphasizing both the group's improved health and the variety of skill sets available.
"It's about the healthiest the group's been in a while, to be honest," Leipold said. He noted that Colorado State transfer Jalen Dupree missed significant time during spring practices but is now back on the field.
"I like our backfield, I like the depth there," Leipold continued. "I think there's a lot of guys that can be productive for us, and it's going to be interesting to see how we can spread that around. But different styles of runners, different sizes. There's speed, there's power, a lot of different things."
Kansas assembled one of its deepest running back rooms in recent memory through the transfer portal. Former Colorado and Kansas State standout Dylan Edwards headlines the group after returning to his home state looking to revitalize his career. Syracuse transfer Yasin Willis also arrives after rushing for more than 500 yards last season, while Dupree adds another physical option after transferring from Colorado State.
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Each player brings a different dimension to offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki's scheme. Edwards is expected to be the explosive home-run threat, capable of creating big plays both as a runner and receiver. Willis provides a physical, downhill running style that can wear down defenses, while Dupree gives Kansas another powerful back capable of handling tough carries between the tackles.
Edwards has never logged more than 76 rushing attempts in a collegiate season, making it unlikely the Jayhawks will rely exclusively on him. Instead, Kansas appears poised to rotate multiple backs throughout games to keep each player fresh while maximizing their individual strengths.
The backfield becomes even more intriguing when paired with Kansas' ongoing quarterback competition. Whether Cole Ballard or Isaiah Marshall wins the starting job, both quarterbacks possess legitimate rushing ability and should be featured in read-option concepts. Having multiple running backs with contrasting styles gives Kotelnicki flexibility to build different personnel packages around each quarterback.
Rather than depending on one workhorse, Kansas has the personnel to attack defenses in several ways. With Edwards' explosiveness, Willis' power, Dupree's physicality, and a pair of mobile quarterbacks, the Jayhawks have the versatility to create favorable matchups throughout the season.
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If the group remains as healthy as Leipold expects, the running back room could become one of the driving forces behind Kansas' offense in 2026.
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