Kansas' starting QB 2024: Who will start for Lance Leipold's team in Week 9?

Coach Lance Leipold and the Kansas Jayhawks will be traveling to the Billy Synder Family Stadium to take on the No. 16 Kansas State Wildcats in Week 9. The Jayhawks enter the Sunflower Showdown rivalry after overcoming their five-game losing streak by defeating Houston last week.

This season has not been great for Leipold and his team. They have managed to put up a 2-5 record (1-3 Big 12) and might not even qualify for a bowl game like last season. But who will be the Jayhawks' starting quarterback in Week 9?

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Kansas' starting QB against the Kansas State Wildcats in Week 9

Veteran quarterback Jalon Daniels will continue his duties as the Jayhawks' QB1 heading into Week 9. Daniels has started all seven games for his team this season and has tallied 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Last week, during their victory over Houston, Daniels put up a decent performance on the offense. He completed 16 of 21 passes and recorded 247 passing yards and three TDs. If the Jayhawks want to end their 15-game losing streak against the Wildcats in this rivalry, then Daniels will have to showcase his full potential on the field.

Coming out of Lawndale High School in California, Jalon Daniels committed to play for the Jayhawks. During his freshman season in 2020, the QB started six games as the Jayhawks finished the season 0-9.

Daniels lost the QB1 job to Jason Bean during the 2021 campaign. However, he got the opportunity to start after Bean injured himself midway through the season and put up 860 yards and three TDs.

During 2022, Daniels was named the Jayhawks' QB1 and helped them to a 6-7 overall season. He put up 2,014 yards and 18 TDs and was honored as a second-team All-Big 12. Last season, Jalon Daniels injured himself during summer camp.

After missing out on the season opener, the QB made a return during the Kansas Jayhawks' second game. However, he reaggravated his injury and was sidelined for the rest of the season.

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Kansas Jayhawks' QB depth chart

Apart from Jalon Daniels. the Jayhawks have redshirt freshman Cole Ballard as his backup in the depth chart. Ballard played for Westfield during his high school career before committing to the Jayhawks.

During his freshman season, Ballard saw playing time in four games and put up 286 yards and a touchdown. He redshirted his freshman year with the team. This season, Ballard got the chance to play in two games and has 51 yards while scoring a touchdown against Lindenwood.