Kansas football started its season 2-0, thanks to wins against Fresno State and Wagner. Following the victory against Wagner, here are some takeaways.
LAWRENCE — Kansas football is 2-0 to start its 2025 season, thanks to wins at home against Fresno State and Wagner.
Here are a few more takeaways after the 46-7 win Friday against Wagner:
Emmanuel Henderson Jr. continues to shine
In search of a more significant opportunity, Emmanuel Henderson Jr. transferred from Alabama to Kansas during the offseason. Since then, the senior wide receiver has collected nine receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns, through the first two games. That includes six receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns in the win against Wagner.
Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold praised Henderson for his explosiveness, and ability to get by defenders, following the victory against Wagner. Leipold also noted Henderson’s hands have become much more consistent from the back half of fall camp to now. He’s one of a group of wide receivers who’ve remained hard-working and humble for a KU offense that has big-play ability.
Lance Leipold is excited about Kansas’ future at quarterback
Through the initial weeks of the season, redshirt senior quarterback Jalon Daniels has been the starter at that position. He’s also performed well, showcasing what he’s capable of both when he’s healthy and in a rhythm in Kansas’ offense. But given the ease at which the Jayhawks have won the first two games this fall, redshirt sophomore Cole Ballard — the lead backup — and redshirt freshman Isaiah Marshall have each seen playing time as well.
Leipold said both players have shown an ability to run the offense, and alluded to there being some things out of their control that have kept it from looking as fluid as it could be. Regardless, they can make the throws and make plays on the ground. It all plays into why Leipold is excited about the future KU has at the position.
The win against Wagner provided a chance to see the future at running back, too
Leipold mentioned redshirt senior running back Leshon Williams probably could have played Friday, if Kansas needed him in an emergency situation. But combine the option the Jayhawks had to hold Williams out, with the progression of the game against Wagner, and KU was able to get multiple players at the position more playing time. That goes for a starter in redshirt senior Daniel Hishaw Jr., who went for 89 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts, and those farther down on the depth chart.
Redshirt sophomore Johnny Thompson Jr. did have a costly fumble, but showed flashes of being a quality player on his way to 39 yards on nine attempts. Redshirt freshman Harry Stewart III also impressed, finishing with 33 yards and a touchdown on six attempts. Freshman Justin Thurman proved to be capable as well with 33 yards on three attempts.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas football takeaways: More to learn from Jayhawks' 2-0 fall start
Category: General Sports
