In a major announcement that has sent waves of excitement through Kansas Jayhawks football fans, quarterback Jalon Daniels confirmed that he will be returning to the program for the 2024 season. The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Kansas football, as the team looks to continue building on its recent success and push for a stronger finish in the Big 12 Conference. Daniels, who has become the face of the program, has had a transformative impact on the Jayhawks since his arrival, and his decision to return is expected to have significant ramifications for both the team’s prospects in the upcoming season and the broader landscape of college football.
Jalon Daniels: A Game-Changer for Kansas Football
Jalon Daniels has been nothing short of a revelation for the Kansas Jayhawks since he took over as the starting quarterback in 2022. Prior to his emergence, Kansas had been mired in mediocrity, but Daniels’ dynamic playmaking ability helped breathe new life into the program. In 2022, under head coach Lance Leipold, Daniels quickly became one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football.
Daniels’ strong arm, mobility, and ability to make plays both in and outside of the pocket helped elevate the Jayhawks to a bowl game for the first time in over a decade. His leadership and production on the field also helped Kansas secure its first winning season since 2008, an accomplishment that had eluded the program for years.
During his breakout season, Daniels threw for 2,000+ yards and accounted for 18 total touchdowns, showcasing his ability to not only move the ball downfield but also make critical plays in clutch moments. His ability to execute in high-pressure situations, particularly in close games, was a key factor in Kansas’ rise and newfound respect in the Big 12.
But it wasn’t just his arm that impressed—Daniels’ ability to extend plays with his legs made him an even more dangerous threat. He rushed for over 400 yards and added seven touchdowns on the ground, displaying an ability to change the game in multiple ways. His dual-threat capability made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and helped Kansas’ offense become one of the more unpredictable and high-scoring units in the conference.
Injury Woes and His Impact in 2023
After his electric 2022 campaign, Daniels entered the 2023 season with even higher expectations, and many had pegged him as a potential candidate for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. However, the season has been marred by injuries that have limited his availability and effectiveness on the field. Daniels dealt with a significant back injury that sidelined him for multiple games during the middle of the season, forcing backup quarterback Jason Bean into the starting role. Despite the setback, Daniels’ return to the lineup was a breath of fresh air for Kansas as they looked to rebound in the second half of the season.
Although his 2023 season was somewhat hampered by injury, Daniels still displayed flashes of his electric playmaking ability when healthy. He threw for 1,800 yards in just eight games, adding 13 touchdowns through the air. Additionally, his rushing stats remained impressive, though the injury affected his mobility at times. Kansas, with Daniels back under center, showed a resilience that allowed them to remain competitive in a challenging Big 12 conference.
Despite the setbacks, his leadership and ability to keep his teammates motivated and focused throughout the adversity has been an invaluable asset. Kansas’ offensive system, which revolves around Daniels’ playmaking, continued to perform at a high level, even when he wasn’t fully at 100%. His leadership in the locker room and on the field has been a key driver in the team’s overall success.
The Impact of Daniels’ Return for 2024
The return of Jalon Daniels for the 2024 season is a massive boost for Kansas football. The Jayhawks have not had consistent success for years, and Daniels’ return signals that the program is firmly committed to building a winner under head coach Lance Leipold. His decision to stay for another year also underscores the growing confidence in the direction of the program, which has steadily improved since Leipold’s arrival in 2021.
Kansas is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the Big 12, and with Daniels back, they have a legitimate chance to compete at the top of the conference. The Jayhawks have an exciting group of young talent, and with Daniels’ experience and proven ability to lead an offense, they could be poised for a bowl berth and even a potential Big 12 Championship run in 2024.
The Big 12 has seen significant changes in recent years, with Oklahoma and Texas leaving for the SEC, but the conference remains highly competitive, with schools like TCU, Baylor, and Kansas State all regularly vying for top spots. Kansas’ return to relevance has only added to the intrigue surrounding the conference, and Daniels’ return should make the Jayhawks a team that opponents will have to take seriously in 2024.
Having Daniels back also provides stability at the most important position on the field, and the Jayhawks’ offense will continue to revolve around his abilities. His development as a passer and playmaker will be crucial as Kansas looks to compete with some of the best teams in the country. The offense will likely be built around Daniels’ dual-threat skills, with an emphasis on creating mismatches with his arm and legs.
Moreover, Daniels’ decision to return sets a positive tone for recruiting efforts. Kansas has already begun to attract higher-level recruits, and the presence of a quarterback like Daniels, who is one of the most dynamic in the conference, will be a huge selling point for the program. Top-tier recruits will see the opportunity to play with a seasoned leader under center, which can only help Kansas in its quest to build a program capable of competing on a national level.
What to Expect in 2024
With Daniels back at the helm in 2024, Kansas will look to continue building on their successful 2022 season and avoid the injury struggles of 2023. If Daniels can stay healthy, the Jayhawks could be one of the surprise teams in the Big 12 and possibly beyond. Head coach Lance Leipold’s system has been proven to work, and with Daniels leading the offense, the team will look to put up big numbers both through the air and on the ground.
One of the key areas of focus will be improving the offensive line play to ensure Daniels has adequate protection to make plays. The addition of more weapons at the wide receiver and running back positions will give Daniels even more options, and with a year of experience in Leipold’s system, the offense could become even more dangerous in 2024.
Defensively, Kansas will also need to continue its improvement. While the defense has shown flashes of potential, it will be important for the Jayhawks to solidify their play on that side of the ball. With a more consistent defense, Kansas could become a true all-around contender in the Big 12.
Kansas Football’s Future Under Daniels and Leipold
The return of Jalon Daniels not only boosts Kansas’ chances for success in 2024, but it also reinforces the notion that Kansas football is on the rise. With a solid foundation under Lance Leipold and a proven leader in Daniels, the Jayhawks appear to have the ingredients needed to build a sustained winner.
While many focus on powerhouse programs like Oklahoma and Texas, Kansas is carving out its own path, and Daniels is at the forefront of that journey. His return solidifies the program’s commitment to excellence, and with a talented roster continuing to develop around him, the future of Kansas football looks brighter than it has in years.
For fans of the Jayhawks, the 2024 season will be one to watch closely. With a healthy Jalon Daniels leading the charge, Kansas has the potential to become a force in the Big 12 and perhaps even make a national splash. The countdown to 2024 has officially begun, and Kansas football is primed to make a statement.