Kansas Jayhawks Crush Fresno State as Daniels Shines in 2025 Opener

The Kansas Jayhawks made quick work of the Fresno State Bulldogs in the 2025 season opener in Lawrence.

Although they were replacing a lot of talent, Fresno State was expected to hang with the Kansas and give them a challenge. That was not the case, and that was evident about midway through the second quarter.

After the teams traded touchdowns to start the game, the Jayhawks took control and dominated the remaining three and a half quarters. Just 30 minutes of game time after the Bulldogs scored, the Jayhawks had scored on four of their next five possessions before ultimately winning 31-7.

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Fresno State Bulldogs: 2025 Season Opener Recap

Jalon Daniels Nears Perfection

Nearly all of the Jayhawks’ expectations fall on the back of Jalon Daniels. Whether it was injuries or inconsistency, Daniels has had a roller coaster of a career up to this point, but the upside is evident. He answered a lot of questions about him in a big way during the season-opening win.

Daniels completed 18 of his 20 pass attempts, with the two incompletions coming on a clear drop and a deep shot while taking a big hit. His 176 passing yards don’t pop off the page, but he wasn’t asked to a lot through the air.

When he was called upon, Daniels converted in a big way, finishing the night with three touchdowns. He also had eight carries (all in the first half) for 47 yards. Daniels ended the night with 223 total yards and the trio of touchdowns in about three quarters of work.

Front Seven Suffocates Fresno State Offense

The Fresno State running game wasn’t anything to write home about last year, but it was much better than how the Kansas defense made them look. The Bulldogs ran for just 37 yards on an abysmal 1.3 yards per carry. They only had one run of 10-plus yards and their leading rusher accounted for 34 of the total yards.

While they only collected one sack (albeit a big one that led to a fumble), the front seven was in the backfield constantly. E.J. Warner was under duress for a majority of the night, which helped lead to his two interceptions.

Dominant In Every Facet

While the offense was in cruise control and the defense manhandled the Bulldogs, there is a third factor worth discussing. Last year, the Jayhawks kicking game was worrisome at best. Tabor Allen was serviceable as a kicker, converting on 80-percent of his field goals, but the punting game was a real struggle. Damon Greaves was 97th (out of 100 qualified players) in yards per punt.

In the win over the Bulldogs, neither were an issue for the Jayhawks. South Alabama transfer Laith Marjan made his lone field goal attempt, a 47-yarder, with relative ease. He was also a perfect 4-4 on PATs. However, the real story is the punting.

McNeese State transfer Finn Lappin was dialed in for all three of his punts. The Aussie averaged 53.7 yards per punt and had a long of 61 yards, which pinned the Bulldogs inside the 5-yard line. The ability flip the field was a luxury the Jayhawks didn’t have for most of last season, which really hurt the defense. That wasn’t the case against the Bulldogs.

The Jayhawk offense had an average starting field position of the 36-yard line. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, started at an average of the 20-yard line. That is a massive difference and gives the defense an extra boost that they didn’t have in 2024.

If the defense plays like it did and also has good field position to work with, it could be a massively improved unit compared to last season.

Next Up: Wagner

The Jayhawks have a short turnaround, as they stay home to face the Wagner Seahawks on Friday night. The Seahawks are coming off a four-win season and will travel to Lawrence for their season opener. With the Jayhawks knocking off the rust against Fresno State, this one could get ugly quickly.