The Kansas Jayhawks‘ defense was a below-average unit a year ago, something they’ll have to improve on for the 2025 season.
Here was how the Kansas defense ranked last season in FBS:
Points allowed per game: 26.0 (tied for No. 75)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 153.5 (No. 75)
Passing yards allowed per game: 239.1 (No. 103)
Total yards allowed per game: 392.6 (No. 92).
There are only three returning starters, who are concentrated in the defensive line. The Jayhawks must put together a new back seven.
Here are three defensive players to keep an eye on for the Kansas Jayhawks.
DE Dean Miller
Miller had a breakthrough last season as he finished the season with six sacks. He led the Jayhawks. Kansas is hoping for a boost from Miller in 2025.
Along with the sacks, he started in all 12 games, finishing with 32 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss.
That was a breakthrough season for him. He has just three tackles in 2023. In 2022, he was at Arkansas and had one tackle in the bowl game. He started his college career in 2021 with College of the Canyons and had 20 tackles. But he also had eight sacks.
If he builds on last season, Miller will be one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league.
LB Joseph Sipp Jr.
The Bowling Green transfer is projected as the middle linebacker, which puts him on important ground in Kansas’ 4-3 alignment.
He was quite productive for the Falcons in three seasons. Last year, he was named all-MAC first team as he finished with 79 total tackles (42 solo) and seven sacks. Those were all career highs for the third-year collegiate. He also recovered a fumble.
Sipp is in an enviable position. He can pursue the ball, sack the quarterback, and is joining a defense that should take advantage of his talent. He has the potential to be an all-Big 12 performer.
CB Jalen Todd
Todd doesn’t read as a returning starter, but he does return from last year’s team to try and bolster a secondary that doesn’t have a returning starter.
Last year, he played in 11 games as a true freshman for the Jayhawks, finishing with nine tackles and two pass breakups. Kansas landed him as a four-star recruit out of Southfield A&T High School in Detroit, Michigan, and he was the No. 10-ranked player in the state.
Now, Kansas hopes he takes a big step as he takes a starring role in the secondary.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
