Former Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has reached another major milestone in his football career and Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold was quick to congratulate him.
Daniels, who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, earned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' No. 2 quarterback job behind veteran Baker Mayfield. Daniels entered training camp as a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but his strong performances throughout training camp and the preseason helped him move up the depth chart.
For Leipold, watching Daniels accomplish something many did not expect has been a source of pride. Shortly after the Buccaneers announced their roster decisions, Leipold exchanged text messages with Daniels and congratulated his former quarterback.
"We exchanged some texts early in the week, shortly after the rosters were announced," Leipold said. "Extremely proud of him. Again, what a story. Everything that young man has overcome, he has stayed positive."
Leipold's comments reflect the relationship that developed between the two during Daniels' time at Kansas. Daniels spent his college career in Lawrence and became one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in program history. He finished his Kansas career second in school history in passing yards and helped lead the Jayhawks to one of their most exciting starts to a season in recent memory.
Daniels' path to becoming an NFL backup was far from guaranteed. After going undrafted, he signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent and initially entered camp competing for a spot behind veteran quarterbacks. Instead of simply trying to make the roster, Daniels continued to improve and eventually passed veterans Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak for the backup position.
His preseason performances played a major role in that rise. Daniels completed 27 of 44 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 37 yards and another score. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs gave Tampa Bay another reason to believe he could handle the responsibility of being Mayfield's backup.
Leipold also praised Daniels for remaining positive throughout the challenges he faced.
"I think he's such a great example for young men that, through the ups and downs of things, he's stayed true to who he is and what he's done," Leipold said. "He's been true to Kansas and his experiences here."
For Daniels, earning the QB2 position represents more than simply making an NFL roster. It is another step in an unexpected journey from an undrafted prospect to an NFL backup quarterback. For Leipold and the Kansas football program, it is another reason to be proud of one of their former players.
How will Lance do in his first season without Jalon Daniels?
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Jimmy Adeniran is the publisher of JayhawksRoundtable. He can be reached at Mayor@iw2j.com
