Kansas enters the 2026 season with a preseason win total line of 5.5 and currently sits at 2-3 overall after non-conference wins over Long Island and Middle Tennessee but conference losses to Missouri, Arizona State, and Utah. The Jayhawks return key pieces on both sides under sixth-year coach Lance Leipold, with Isaiah Marshall taking over at quarterback and showing flashes alongside a transfer-heavy roster, though run defense has been a consistent weakness against quality opponents. The remaining schedule features seven Big 12 matchups, including road games at Kansas State, TCU, West Virginia, and Oklahoma State plus home contests against Baylor, UCF, and BYU, with no bye weeks left to aid recovery. Recent form, injury reports on the offensive line and skill positions, and the outcome of the Sunflower Showdown will shape trader views on whether Kansas can reach or exceed the total in a competitive conference.