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Isaiah Marshall Named Kansas Football QB Starter As Jalon Daniels Pushes For NFL Role

Kansas football finally has clarity at quarterback, and the timing could not be better with the 2026 season opener just over a week away.

The Jayhawks announced Thursday that redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall will start against Long Island University, ending a months-long battle with Cole Ballard. Marshall earned the job after splitting reps throughout the offseason and fall camp, giving Kansas a new full-time starter following the departure of Jalon Daniels.

Marshall showed flashes of what he can bring last season, particularly as a runner. He finished with 160 rushing yards in limited action, including a 43-yard run against Oklahoma State, while attempting just three passes.

Head coach Lance Leipold has said throughout camp that Ballard could still see action, but Marshall now gets the first opportunity to lead the offense.

At the same time, Daniels is continuing to make a push for a roster spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The former Kansas star has impressed throughout the preseason and reportedly received the most snaps in 7-on-7 work during a recent practice. Daniels has put himself in position to potentially earn the backup job behind Baker Mayfield heading into Tampa Bay’s final preseason game. Kansas also appears to have a major strength in the backfield.

Transfers Dylan Edwards, Yasin Willis and Jalen Dupree are all expected to play meaningful roles this season, giving the Jayhawks a deep group of runners that could ease pressure on Marshall early in the year. Freshman Kory Amachree could also work his way into the rotation.

The depth should give offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki flexibility as Kansas begins a new era under center.

Off the field, Jayhawk fans will also have a chance to revisit one of the most famous games in program history. Armageddon at Arrowhead, a documentary centered on the 2007 Kansas-Missouri showdown, will debut Thursday at Screenland Armour Theater in Kansas City.

The 2007 matchup featured No. 2 Kansas and No. 4 Missouri with Big 12 and national championship implications on the line, making it one of the biggest Border War games ever played.

With Marshall now officially QB1, Daniels fighting for an NFL role and a talented backfield ready to debut, Kansas football has no shortage of storylines heading into the opener.

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