Kansas has officially made its decision at quarterback, naming redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall the starter to open the 2026 season.
Marshall won a competitive offseason battle with redshirt junior Cole Ballard, earning the opportunity to replace longtime starter Jalon Daniels. The Southfield, Michigan native will make his first career start when Kansas opens the season against Long Island on Sept. 4.
The decision gives the Jayhawks one of the more intriguing young quarterbacks in the Big 12. Marshall has limited experience as a passer at the college level, but he showed how dangerous he can be with the ball in his hands during the 2025 season.
Marshall appeared in nine games last year and was primarily used as a change-of-pace option in designed quarterback packages. He rushed 15 times for 160 yards, averaging more than 10 yards per carry, while completing all three of his pass attempts for 28 yards.
At 6-foot, 210 pounds, Marshall gives Kansas a legitimate dual-threat option who can put pressure on defenses with his legs. The bigger question entering the season will be how quickly he can develop as a full-time passer now that opposing defenses have to prepare for him as the Jayhawks’ QB1.
Marshall’s development throughout the offseason appears to have played a major role in him winning the job. Earlier in August, he spoke about improving his command of the offense and becoming a stronger leader, while Kansas coaches praised the confidence and presence he brought to the position.
The quarterback competition remained tight deep into fall camp. Head coach Lance Leipold repeatedly emphasized that consistency, decision-making and execution would ultimately separate Marshall and Ballard, and as recently as last week, Kansas had yet to publicly settle on a starter.
Even with Marshall earning the starting role, Ballard may still have a place in the offense. Leipold has previously said he expects both quarterbacks to see the field during the season, meaning Kansas could still use different packages to take advantage of each player’s strengths.
For Marshall, however, the opportunity is now his.
Kansas is entering a new era offensively following Daniels’ departure, and Marshall will get the first chance to become the next face of the Jayhawks’ offense. His combination of speed, athleticism and big-play ability gives Kansas plenty of upside at the position.
