The Kansas Jayhawks are gearing up for an electrifying 2024-25 NCAAF season with a schedule that promises intense battles and high-stakes matchups. As the team aims to solidify its standing in college football, certain games stand out as must-watch clashes.
These aren’t just contests; they’re grit, strategy, and perseverance tests against some of the nation’s top programs. Each matchup has storylines, rivalries, and implications for the Jayhawks’ season. Below, we’ll dive into Kansas’s five toughest games this year and what makes them pivotal in their quest for gridiron glory.
Baylor Vs. Kansas
The Baylor Bears’ decisive 45-17 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks showcased two teams on contrasting trajectories during the 2024-25 season. Baylor, riding a six-game win streak, displayed offensive dominance, while Kansas, coming off three wins against ranked teams, struggled to maintain momentum.
Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson was the game’s star, throwing for 310 yards and four touchdowns. Monaray Baldwin and Josh Cameron were key targets, combining for over 220 yards and three touchdowns. Bryson Washington’s 192 rushing yards also added a powerful ground attack, cementing Baylor’s control.
Kansas showed flashes of potential, with Devin Neal running for 133 yards and Jalon Daniels throwing for 280. However, turnovers and missed opportunities hindered their progress, including a missed field goal and a costly fumble. The Jayhawks couldn’t capitalize on key moments despite outgaining Baylor in the first half.
This clash underlines Kansas’s challenges against top-tier teams, making games like these crucial when assessing Kansas Jayhawks Odds in high-stakes matchups. While Baylor continues its postseason journey, Kansas concludes a rollercoaster season that highlights both promise and areas for growth. Fans can look forward to the Jayhawks refining their strategies and building resilience for future battles.
Kansas Vs. Houston
The Kansas Jayhawks broke a five-game losing streak with a commanding 42-14 win over Houston, proving their resilience during a challenging season. Due to stadium reconstruction, Kansas played at Arrowhead Stadium for its 112th homecoming, showcasing its best performance of the year.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels led the charge with three passing touchdowns and one on the ground, completing 16-of-21 passes for 247 yards. Cobee Bryant was a defensive powerhouse, tying a school record with three interceptions. Kansas capitalized early, scoring touchdowns on their first four drives, including a nine-minute opening possession that set the tone.
Houston struggled defensively, allowing 284 yards in the first half alone, despite ranking third in the Big 12 for total yards allowed. Kansas took advantage of mismatches in Houston’s coverage, with receivers Quentin Skinner and Devin Neal making big plays.
This decisive win kept Kansas in the hunt for bowl eligibility, critical as they face a tough stretch of ranked opponents. Fans watching the Kansas Jayhawks Odds know this game reignited hope for a strong season finish.
Illinois Vs. Kansas
The Illinois Fighting Illini secured a dramatic 23-17 upset over No. 19 Kansas at Memorial Stadium thanks to a stellar defensive performance. Xavier Scott led the charge with eight tackles, two interceptions—including a pick-6—and a forced fumble on Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels’ final Hail Mary attempt.
Trailing 17-13 in the fourth quarter, Illinois mounted an 80-yard drive capped by Kaden Feagin’s 1-yard touchdown run. A late 43-yard field goal by David Alano extended their lead to 23-17. Kansas made a final push, but Scott and the Illini defense held firm.
Kansas briefly led after an eight-minute, 81-yard drive in the third quarter, which was finished by Daniels’ touchdown pass to Lawrence Arnold. Despite Kansas’ offensive efforts, Illinois’ big-play defense proved decisive, earning their first home win against a ranked opponent since 2019. The Illini improved to 2-0 and now prepare for Central Michigan before starting Big Ten play.
Kansas Vs. UNLV
UNLV edged Kansas 23-20 with a late-game touchdown on a fourth-and-goal rush by Kylin James, capping a methodical 18-play, 75-yard drive that lasted over nine minutes. The Rebels relied entirely on their ground game during the decisive drive, showcasing resilience and teamwork.
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels struggled with two interceptions but contributed two rushing touchdowns. His first-half pick kept UNLV in the game, and his second-half interception set up a Rebels field goal.
Kansas led 14-3 early in the second quarter, thanks to Daniels’ mobility and a strong start from the defense. However, UNLV’s defensive persistence and timely scoring—including a halftime-ending touchdown pass—kept them close.
Kansas extended its lead to 20-16 in the fourth quarter but couldn’t stop UNLV’s clock-draining final drive. The loss highlights Kansas’ ongoing issues with turnovers and penalties, which derailed its momentum. UNLV remains undefeated at 3-0, while Kansas falls to 1-2 as it prepares for Big 12 Conference play.
West Virginia Vs. Kansas
West Virginia staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Kansas 32-28 in their Big 12 opener, overcoming an 11-point deficit with two late touchdown passes from Garrett Greene. Greene connected with Rodney Gallagher for a 15-yard game-winning touchdown with just 26 seconds remaining.
The Mountaineers sealed the victory when Tyrin Bradley stripped Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels of the ball on a last-second play. Kansas seemed in control after Luke Grimm’s 32-yard touchdown gave them a 28-17 lead with 5:39 left. However, Greene led West Virginia’s resurgence, tossing an 8-yard touchdown to Kole Taylor and a subsequent two-point conversion before orchestrating the decisive drive.
Kansas struggled to close the game despite Devin Neal’s fourth consecutive 100-yard rushing performance. The Jayhawks have now lost three straight games. Meanwhile, West Virginia displayed resilience, recovering from a previous late-game collapse and showing grit against a challenging schedule ahead.
Conclusion
The Kansas Jayhawks’ 2024-25 season promises to be a rollercoaster of high-stakes battles against top-tier opponents. Each game offers a test of skill, strategy, and resilience, showcasing the team’s strengths and exposing areas for growth. As fans rally behind their team, the season’s toughest matchups will define Kansas’ journey and future aspirations.
