Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels to decide on his future in the coming days
Jalon Daniels has a difficult decision to make in the coming days.
After KU’s season ended with a blowout loss to Baylor on Saturday afternoon, the quarterback will have to decide about his future with the Jayhawks.
Daniels has a few options: He could return to Kansas for his final season, declare for the NFL Draft or enter his name in the transfer portal.
“I wanted to be able to wait until the season was over for me to even think about such a thing like that,” Daniels told reporters in Waco in his postgame news conference. “Next year is a big part of my future. Big part of being able to get developed to where I want to get to (in the future). So now that the season is over, that’s definitely something I have to think about.”
Against the Bears, Daniels went 12-of-23 passing for 280 yards with two interceptions. He finished the season with 2,174 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He rushed for 410 yards with six touchdowns on the ground.
After a dismal start to the season, with eight interceptions in his first five games, Daniels played much better in recent weeks.
Also of note: He participated in KU’s senior day last week against Colorado but downplayed it afterward. He said he did so because he graduates in the winter.
“I feel like that’s really all that went into it,” Daniels said. “This is a class that has been here since 2020. We got guys like Luke Grimm. I mean, Cornell Wheeler’s a transfer, but he’s my roommate and my best friend. Quentin Skinner as well.
“There’s a lot of guys who came in with that 2020 class, and I feel like being able to cherish that moment with them is something that (made me want to participate).”
Kansas coach Lance Leipold reiterated that sentiment on Monday.
“A lot of those guys that had eligibility remaining, because this group was close, they wanted to do that,” Leipold said. “We had guys last year do the same that returned.”
Daniels has been a big part of turning around the KU program. He helped lead KU to its first bowl game in over a decade in 2022. He then delivered one of the best games of his career vs. Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl.
Before the 2023 season, Daniels had high expectations. He was named preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year. However, due to a back injury, Daniels played only three games.
Despite an up-and-down season, Daniels’ potential departure would be a big blow for the Jayhawks. Kansas quarterbacks Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall and a likely transfer portal addition would battle for the starting gig next season if Daniels does not return.
There’s a lot to consider for Daniels, especially since his ultimate goal is to play in the NFL. KU will have to reload its roster this offseason with the departure of 15 starters and 38 potential seniors leaving the program.
This story was originally published December 1, 2024 at 7:30 AM with the headline "Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels to decide on his future in the coming days."
