Jalon Daniels
Texas fans are all too familiar with junior quarterback Jalon Daniels. Two years ago, Daniels helped lead the Jayhawks to a thrilling 57-56 win in Austin despite being 31-point underdogs. Flash forward to this season, and the 2023 Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year has Kansas off to a 4–0 start and a No. 24 ranking in the AP Poll. After missing the season opener, Daniels has thrown for 705 yards with five touchdowns to only one interception. His 74.7% completion rate is good enough for eighth in the FBS. The dual-threat has also added 74 yards on the ground and will look to utilize his legs on Saturday. Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and his defense will need to contain Daniels on Saturday if the Longhorns want to win.
Devin Neal
Another player who highlighted the 2021 matchup is running back Devin Neal. The junior hometown hero of Lawrence, Kansas has elevated his game to another level this season after rushing for over 1,000 yards just a year ago. In the first game of the year against Missouri State, Neal ran for 94 yards with a rushing and receiving touchdown. He then exploded for 120 rushing yards and a touchdown against Illinois. Neal followed that performance with a three-touchdown effort, including the game-winner over Nevada. Last week, he ran for 91 yards in a 38-27 win as Kansas defeated BYU. With Neal and Daniels in the Kansas backfield, the Texas defensive front must be focused and disciplined in order to stop the Jayhawks’ potent rushing attack.
Kenny Logan Jr.
Looking towards the defense, senior safety Kenny Logan Jr. has done everything and then some for the Jayhawks. Through four games, Logan leads the team with 23 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. In the Nevada game, he would stuff the stat sheet with nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. He would build on that performance against the Cougars when he returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown right out of halftime. The play proved to be a turning point for the Jayhawks in the win. Logan’s play has helped Kansas become one of the most stout defenses in the country, allowing almost 300 yards a game.
Cobee Bryant
Another ballhawk on Kansas’s defense is cornerback Cobee Bryant. The junior from Alabama was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career after forcing a fumble and returning it all the way for a touchdown in the win over BYU. He also added three tackles including one TFL and an interception, his second of the season. On his last trip to Darrell K Royal Stadium in 2021, Bryant returned an interception for a touchdown right before halftime. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will need to keep his eyes peeled for Bryant and the rest of the Kansas secondary, which has collected six picks in just four games.
