Kansas Adds Dylan Edwards and Chase Jenkins to Bolster 2026 Offense

Kansas football is set to welcome two major transfers for the 2026 season, signaling a renewed push to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. Former Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards and Rice quarterback Chase Jenkins have both committed to the Jayhawks, providing head coach Lance Leipold with high-upside options at two critical offensive positions. The additions aim to stabilize Kansas’s offense while injecting playmaking talent and experience.

Edwards, a Derby, Kansas, native, will conclude his collegiate career in the Jayhawk State after stints at Colorado and Kansas State. The running back brings two years of eligibility remaining following a redshirt year during an injury-filled 2025 season. Edwards has accumulated 1,072 career rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns over 28 games, demonstrating both speed and explosiveness despite limited playing time.

In his final two games at Kansas State, Edwards averaged six yards per carry and totaled 192 rushing yards, showing glimpses of the dynamic playmaking that made him a sought-after transfer. While he has yet to reach his full potential, Edwards’s combination of agility and field vision fits naturally into Kansas’s historically run-first system.

Alongside Edwards, the Jayhawks have also secured Chase Jenkins, a dual-threat quarterback from Rice. Jenkins posted 1,025 passing yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions, in addition to 531 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground in 2025. His skill set mirrors that of former starter Jalon Daniels, providing Kansas with stability and versatility in the quarterback room.

1. Dylan Edwards’ Impact

Edwards brings immediate excitement to the Jayhawks’ backfield. His ability to gain yards after contact, paired with homegrown familiarity with Kansas, allows him to contribute from day one. Edwards’s speed and explosiveness create opportunities both as a primary ball carrier and in open-field situations. The running back’s previous seasons at Kansas State demonstrate his capacity to break big plays despite limited touches. Kansas’s coaching staff will look to maximize Edwards’s strengths in a run-heavy system, allowing him to complement Devin Neal, who has been a consistent contributor since 2023. Edwards also provides leadership and experience to a relatively young Jayhawks roster. His exposure to multiple programs and offensive schemes has honed his adaptability, making him a versatile weapon in a variety of game situations. Overall, Edwards represents more than just a statistical upgrade. His arrival signals Kansas’s intent to compete in the Big 12, improve its rushing attack, and provide consistent support to a revamped offensive scheme in 2026.

2. Chase Jenkins Brings Stability

Jenkins’s addition addresses a pressing need for Kansas: a quarterback capable of leading the offense after the departure of Jalon Daniels. The redshirt sophomore brings dual-threat capability, passing efficiently while adding a dangerous running element that keeps defenses off balance. At Rice, Jenkins completed 69.2 percent of his passes despite limited attempts, showing accuracy and decision-making that can translate to increased volume at Kansas. While he will need to adjust to the Big 12’s pace and defensive complexity, his athleticism and prior experience provide a strong foundation. Jenkins also brings a dynamic complement to Edwards in the backfield. His ability to run read-option plays and extend drives with his legs meshes with Edwards’s style, allowing the Jayhawks to establish a balanced and unpredictable offense. With Jenkins in the quarterback room, Kansas gains leadership, stability, and a player capable of developing chemistry quickly with receivers and running backs. His presence ensures the team is not forced into a trial-by-fire situation at the most important position on the field.

3. Offensive Outlook for 2026

The combined additions of Edwards and Jenkins give Kansas its most promising offensive outlook since the era of Jalon Daniels and All-Big 12 running back Devin Neal. The duo provides talent, versatility, and experience to a unit that struggled with consistency in 2025. Leipold can now design schemes that maximize the strengths of his skill players, blending Edwards’s explosiveness with Jenkins’s dual-threat ability. This offensive flexibility could allow Kansas to compete more effectively in the Big 12, improving both scoring potential and time-of-possession control. Spring and summer practices will be critical in developing chemistry between Jenkins, Edwards, and the rest of the offense. Both players will need to acclimate to new systems, playbooks, and teammates, but their talent and prior experience suggest a smooth transition. Ultimately, these additions mark a pivotal step in Kansas football’s ongoing effort to rebuild and contend. With Edwards and Jenkins in the fold, the Jayhawks have the offensive foundation needed to pursue a more competitive 2026 season.