Kansas

The Jayhawks transformed their roster through the transfer portal this spring, adding 31 players worth 107.7 PPA while losing just 5.6 PPA from 26 departures — but the defensive unit that ranked 75th nationally at -0.9 points must show dramatic improvement. Kansas upgraded significantly at skill positions, headlined by wide receiver Nik McMillan (41.6 PPA from Buffalo) and running back Dylan Edwards from Kansas State, replacing departed backs Harry Stewart III and Johnny Thompson Jr. The offense projects as a strength at +2.5 points (41st nationally), though the quarterback competition remains unsettled after Jalon Daniels' departure, with new arrivals like Chase Jenkins from Rice in the mix.

JP+ projects 6.0 wins for Kansas in 2026, a modest improvement over last year's 5-7 record built around an offensive attack that should move the ball consistently with McMillan, Nahzae Cox (20.7 PPA from Middle Tennessee), and Edwards providing playmaking ability for the new signal-caller. The schedule offers winnable home games against UCF, Middle Tennessee, and Long Island University, but road tests at Utah and home matchups with BYU and Missouri will reveal whether the defensive improvements materialized. If the defense can climb from 75th to even average territory, Kansas could surprise in the Big 12 — if not, another .500 season looms despite the offensive upgrades.