Kansas football will open the 2025 season in Week 0 against Fresno State, giving the Jayhawks an early chance to prove their preseason buzz is justified.
Lance Leipold enters his fifth year in Lawrence with the most stable program Kansas has seen in decades, and the expectations are real. Fresno State is not the type of opponent you want to take lightly, either, which makes this opener a legitimate test.
KEY PLAYERS
KANSAS – QB JALON DANIELS
The Jayhawks return quarterback Jalon Daniels, who is healthy again after a frustrating 2024. When on the field, Daniels is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country and gives Kansas a clear edge in this matchup. Running back Devin Neal is gone after a prolific career in Lawrence, so the backfield will certainly be an area to watch. Kansas has the weapons to move the ball in bunches, but Week 0 is often about who executes cleanly, and Daniels’ rhythm will be under the microscope early.
FRESNO STATE – QB E.J. WARNER
Fresno State has been one of the most consistent programs in the Mountain West, winning at least nine games in three of the past four seasons. Rice transfer and son of NFL Hall-of-Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, E.J. Warner has emerged as the starter for the Bulldogs, and brings with him a wealth of experience. He is fresh off a 2710-yard passing season with 17 scores through the air, which makes his squad a dangerous opponent for a Power Four team in an opener.
PREDICTION
The key matchup will be Kansas’ front seven against a Fresno offensive line that lost two starters. If the Jayhawks can control the line of scrimmage defensively and force Fresno State into third-and-long situations, Daniels and the offense should have plenty of chances to create separation.
Kansas is better on paper, deeper, and at home. That should be enough to secure a comfortable win, even if the Jayhawks need a half to shake off some early-season rust.
KANSAS 34, FRESNO STATE 17
