Kansas Jayhawks football grades: Report card from KU’s Big 12 road win vs. UCF
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas rallied from 14-0 and outscored UCF 27-6 to secure a 27-20 win.
- Offense balanced: Jalon Daniels 18-of-26 for 235 yards; Leshon Williams three TDs.
- Defense delivered second-half shutdown with multiple goal-line stops and punts forced.
The Kansas Jayhawks finally won a one-score game on Sunday.
KU won a 27-20 nailbiter vs. UCF at the Ascrisure Bounce House on Saturday.
“We found a way,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “It wasn’t the cleanest and things like that early, but I’m really proud of their perseverance in the second half. Being down 14-0 and being able to come back and outscore them 27-6 I think says a lot about the resiliency of this team.”
Here are our grades for all three phases of Saturday’s contest for KU (4-2, 2-1 Big 12), plus a player of the game:
Offense: A-
The Jayhawks’ offense played well Saturday.
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels finished 18-of-26 passing for 235 yards. Cam Pickett was his top receiver, with five catches for 64 yards.
Running back Leshon Williams finished with 58 rushing yards and three rushing scores. One week after struggling to score in the red zone, Kansas put up 24 points.
Not to mention, Daniels navigated Kansas back from a 14-0 deficit.
Defense: B+
Here’s where things get a little tricky.
The Knights scored on every drive in the first half, and they had no problem moving the ball on the ground.
UCF had 16 rushes for 162 yards … in the first half alone. A flip switched in the second half. KU forced two punts on UCF’s first two drives of the half.
Kansas not only held UCF scoreless in the second half, but the Jayhawks’ defense saved the game twice. First, KU had three straight goal line stops. On UCF’s last drive, KU didn’t allow the Knights to enter the red zone.
It was one of the best defensive stands by KU all season.
Special teams: B
KU’s special teams play was solid vs. UCF.
Kicker Laith Marjan remained perfect on the season, converting two field goals. His longest one was 41 yards. He did this despite dealing with an injury that clearly affected kicking ability — he barely made the 41-yard attempt.
KU punter Finn Lappin averaged 45 yards on his four punts. Henderson returned two kicks for an average of 22 yards.
Player of the game: Leshon Williams
With KU running back Daniel Hishaw out, teammate Leshon Williams made the most of his chance to shine by scoring three touchdowns.
He did that despite dealing with an injury that had nagged him all week at practice.
“I think it’s my first time (scoring three touchdowns),” he said. “I have to give a huge shoutout to my O-line, tight ends, receivers and all the coaches that trust me to get the 1-2 yards. It’s love.”
This story was originally published October 5, 2025 at 12:40 PM with the headline "Kansas Jayhawks football grades: Report card from KU’s Big 12 road win vs. UCF."
