Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has made headlines by agreeing to a new deal that will keep him with the Jayhawks through the 2025 season. This will mark his final year in college football, and what a journey it has been! Over five remarkable years in Lawrence, Daniels has amassed an impressive 6,751 total passing yards and thrown for 45 touchdowns.
Record-Breaking Performances
Daniels has etched his name in the history books of Kansas football. He currently ranks second in all-time passing yardage in Jayhawk history, trailing only the legendary Todd Reesing. Not only that, but he holds the record for the most passing yards in a single game for the KU program, a staggering 544 yards against Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl in 2022. When it comes to career touchdowns, his 45 passing touchdowns also place him second in program history, again behind Reesing’s impressive 90 total touchdowns.
2023 Season Highlights
The 2023 season was a challenging one for Daniels, as injuries limited his playing time. Despite this setback, he showcased his talent by completing 74.7% of his passes for 705 yards, with five touchdowns and just one interception. His efficiency was remarkable, proving that when healthy, he can be a game-changer for the Jayhawks.
Resilience in a Tough Season
While the Jayhawks faced struggles during the first half of the season, they found their rhythm late in the year, winning four of their last six games. One standout performance came in a thrilling 45-36 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones, where Daniels accumulated over 350 all-purpose yards and accounted for three total touchdowns. He also led the Jayhawks to an upset victory over the No. 6 ranked BYU Cougars, winning 17-13. These victories, along with a win against 16th ranked Colorado, showcased Kansas’s ability to play spoiler against top-tier opponents. Although the team finished with a 5-7 record and missed out on a bowl game, they certainly made their mark in the latter part of the season.
2022: A Historic Journey
The previous season, 2022, was a memorable one for Daniels and the Jayhawks. He completed 66.1% of his passes for 2,014 yards, tossing in 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions. As a dual-threat quarterback, he also contributed significantly on the ground, with 77 rushing attempts for 419 yards and seven touchdowns. His leadership helped propel Kansas to a historic 5-0 start, a feat that energized the fan base and brought excitement back to the program. The season concluded with a nail-biting 55-53 loss to Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl, a game that many fans will remember as one of the most entertaining of the bowl season.
Looking Ahead
With his new deal secured, the anticipation for Daniels’s final season is palpable. Fans are eager to see how he will build on his already impressive resume. Will he break more records? Can he lead the Jayhawks to a bowl game? The excitement surrounding his return is undeniable, and the Kansas football community is buzzing with optimism.
Social Media Announcement
On Friday evening, Daniels took to his Twitter page to announce his decision to stay with the Jayhawks. This move not only reflects his commitment to the program but also his desire to finish strong in his college career. It’s clear that he has a deep connection with Kansas and wants to leave a lasting legacy.
Final Thoughts
As Jalon Daniels gears up for his final season, the Kansas Jayhawks are poised for an exciting year ahead. With his record-breaking performances, resilience in the face of adversity, and the support of a passionate fan base, the stage is set for a memorable farewell tour. Will he lead Kansas to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football fans should keep a close eye on this dynamic quarterback as he embarks on this pivotal season. The Jayhawks are ready to make some noise, and with Daniels at the helm, anything is possible!
