Chase Jenkins Brings New Dynamic to Kansas Football's QB Competition

The Rice transfer looks to challenge returning QBs Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall for the starting job.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:04am

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Kansas football added quarterback Chase Jenkins through the transfer portal this offseason, providing a new dynamic to the team's quarterback competition. Jenkins, who previously started at Rice, will compete with returning QBs Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall for the starting job. While Ballard and Marshall have more experience in KU's system, Jenkins' athleticism and prior starting experience make him a viable candidate to replace former starter Jalon Daniels.

Why it matters

The addition of Jenkins adds depth and competition at the quarterback position for Kansas, which is looking to build on its recent success under head coach Lance Leipold. Jenkins' experience as a starter at the Division I level could push Ballard and Marshall to elevate their games, leading to an intriguing battle for the starting job this spring.

The details

Jenkins transferred to Kansas after spending time as both a quarterback and wide receiver at Rice. He impressed the KU coaching staff with his athleticism, which fits well with the team's offensive scheme. Leipold and associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki highlighted Jenkins' ability to compete for the starting job, even though Ballard and Marshall have more experience in the Jayhawks' system. Jenkins was recruited to Kansas by Kotelnicki and passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jim Zebrowski.

  • Jenkins transferred to Kansas in the offseason following the departure of former starting QB David McComb.
  • Spring practices are currently underway, setting the stage for the quarterback competition between Jenkins, Ballard, and Marshall.

The players

Chase Jenkins

A transfer quarterback from Rice who is looking to compete for the starting job at Kansas.

Cole Ballard

A redshirt junior quarterback who is returning to Kansas after serving as a backup in 2025.

Isaiah Marshall

A redshirt sophomore quarterback who is also returning to Kansas after seeing limited playing time in 2025.

Lance Leipold

The head coach of the Kansas football team, who is overseeing the quarterback competition.

Andy Kotelnicki

The associate head coach of the Kansas football team, who was heavily involved in recruiting Jenkins to the program.

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What they’re saying

“While Leipold reiterated that he believes in the guys already in the room, given McComb's departure, he wanted to make sure the team added another talented player. In Jenkins, Leipold sees someone whose athletic ability both fits what Kansas does and makes him someone who can compete for the starting job.”

— Lance Leipold, Head Coach, Kansas Football

“Kotelnicki also highlighted Jenkins' athleticism.”

— Andy Kotelnicki, Associate Head Coach, Kansas Football

“Knowing the influence Kotelnicki had on KU in the past, prior to a two-season stint at Penn State that Kotelnicki just returned from, intrigued Jenkins a lot.”

— Chase Jenkins

What’s next

As spring practices continue, the Kansas coaching staff will evaluate the performances of Jenkins, Ballard, and Marshall to determine the team's starting quarterback for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The addition of Chase Jenkins to the Kansas quarterback room adds an experienced and athletic option to the team's competition for the starting job. While Ballard and Marshall have more familiarity with the Jayhawks' system, Jenkins' prior starting experience at the Division I level could make him a viable candidate to replace Jalon Daniels as the team's signal-caller.