Trey Lathan Stays at Kansas, Primed for Big Season

After initially entering the transfer portal, the Jayhawks' leading tackler decided to return to Lawrence for his senior year.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Kansas football player in action, with sharp, overlapping planes of crimson, blue, and yellow, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Trey Lathan's decision to return to Kansas for his senior season injects leadership and experience into the Jayhawks' defense.Lawrence Today

Trey Lathan, an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention linebacker for the Kansas Jayhawks, initially announced he would enter the transfer portal after the 2025 season. However, two weeks later, Lathan decided to stay at Kansas for his senior year, citing the program's coaching staff, scheme, and overall fit as reasons for his return.

Why it matters

Lathan's decision to remain at Kansas is a significant boost for the Jayhawks' defense, as he was the team's leading tackler in 2025. His experience and leadership will be crucial for a Kansas squad looking to build on their recent success and compete in the Big 12 conference.

The details

After exploring his options in the transfer portal, Lathan said he had multiple conversations with linebackers coach Chris Simpson and head coach Lance Leipold, who welcomed him back with open arms. Lathan noted there was no animosity about his initial portal entry, as he was transparent throughout the process. Now back in Lawrence, Lathan is expected to take another step forward in 2026, focusing on improving his run fits while also embracing a larger leadership role on the team.

  • Lathan announced he would enter the transfer portal following the 2025 season.
  • Two weeks later, Lathan announced he would be returning to Kansas for his senior year.

The players

Trey Lathan

An All-Big 12 Honorable Mention linebacker for the Kansas Jayhawks, Lathan was the team's leading tackler in 2025.

Chris Simpson

The linebackers coach for the Kansas Jayhawks, who worked closely with Lathan during the transfer portal process.

Lance Leipold

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who welcomed Lathan back to the program after his initial transfer portal announcement.

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What they’re saying

“Just wanted to see what was the best opportunity for me. You know, transfer portal, you got a lot of resources. People use a lot of resources. So, just wanted to see what was out there for me. And, you know, decided to come back, talk to Coach Simpson, Leipold. Decided it was the best opportunity, best scheme, best fit.”

— Trey Lathan, Kansas Linebacker

“There was no animosity about it, especially because I was transparent throughout the whole process. They respected that. And, you know, they came back and welcomed me back with open arms, you know, and I'm happy to be here.”

— Trey Lathan, Kansas Linebacker

“The things that we kind of promoted at Trey is kind of what's come to fruition now, which is year two in a system really picking up where he left off. Obviously was very productive for us a year ago. And to be able to take his knowledge of what we're doing and take another step and really improve his game, I think he's doing that and doing a very good job of it.”

— Chris Simpson, Kansas Linebackers Coach

What’s next

Lathan will look to build on his strong 2025 season and lead the Kansas defense as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.

The takeaway

Trey Lathan's decision to return to Kansas after initially entering the transfer portal demonstrates his commitment to the program and provides a major boost to the Jayhawks' defense. His experience and leadership will be crucial as Kansas aims to build on their recent success and compete at a high level in the Big 12.