How KU football won recruiting battle for Wichita quarterback prospect Jaylen Mason
Wichita Northwest quarterback Jaylen Mason will begin his college football career in the Sunflower state.
The three-star prospect who figures to be one of the state’s top Division I recruits in the class of 2026 verbally committed to the University of Kansas and head coach Lance Leipold on Tuesday evening.
Mason earned an offer from the Jayhawks this summer after attending the KU camp, then recently took an unofficial visit to experience a KU game on the sidelines. He picked KU over Big 12 rival Iowa State.
“I’ve been up there plenty of times and it’s always felt like home,” Mason said. “I want to put on a show for my state and help rep my home state on the biggest stage nationally, so that’s a really special thing. And then they’ve always treated me like I’m a real target, a real priority in the class, which has really set them apart from other places. That meant a lot to me.”
Mason, who is in the midst of his junior season, has led Northwest to a 7-1 record, a City League championship and a No. 3 seed in the upcoming Kansas high school football state playoffs. The Grizzlies open postseason play against Wichita Southeast on Friday.
After an up-and-down sophomore campaign, Mason has brought a healthy balance to Northwest’s offense this season. The 6-foot-2 signal-caller has completed 54% of his passes for 1,394 yards with 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions, while also adding 522 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
“We’re very excited for Jaylen because I think people are going to see his best play in college,” Northwest coach Steve Martin said. “Jaylen has a high ceiling and people are starting to realize he’s not just a guy who stands back there and throws. He can add some things to the running game and that’s why (the KU coaches) like him so much. They feel like he is a true dual-threat kid in the state who could help them. And the best part about Jaylen is he is a great kid and a great teammate, so he’s going to do a great job helping them recruit the class of 2026. He truly cares about his teammates and I think other recruits are going to gravitate toward that.”
Mason added that his relationship with KU quarterbacks coach Jim Zebrowski also played a role in his decision.
“They’re just very down to earth and they made me feel like family,” Mason said. “I know this year (at KU) hasn’t been the best, but I know how good coach Leipold is and I know he is going to turn it around real quick. I just believe in coach Leipold and I know what he’s capable of.”
This story was originally published October 30, 2024 at 5:03 AM.
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