Kansas football took a tough hit on Monday as head coach Lance Leipold announced that starting tight end DeShawn Hanika underwent surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season. The update came during Leipold’s weekly press conference, where he called it a “bummer” for a player who has worked tirelessly to return to form.
Hanika, a transfer from Iowa State, had earned a key role in Kansas’ offensive scheme this year, bringing valuable experience and reliability to the Jayhawks’ passing game. His blocking ability and sure hands had made him one of the offense’s most versatile contributors, particularly in red-zone packages. Leipold’s tone when discussing the injury made it clear how much Hanika’s presence will be missed, both on the field and in the locker room.
“It’s a bummer for a great young man who worked hard to come back,” Leipold said. “He’s done everything the right way since he got here.”
The loss of Hanika leaves Kansas short-handed at a position that has quietly been one of the most important in Leipold’s system. The Jayhawks have relied heavily on tight ends to create mismatches, both in the running game and as safety valves in the passing attack.
There was at least a bit of good news to balance things out. Leipold also provided an update on running back Daniel Hishaw, saying that the plan remains for him to return before the end of the season. Hishaw, one of the most dynamic playmakers on the roster, has been sidelined with an injury but continues to progress toward a potential comeback.
Hishaw’s eventual return would be a major boost for a Kansas offense that’s already shown flashes of balance and explosiveness this season. But for now, Leipold and his staff will need to adjust without one of their most dependable veterans in Hanika.
Injuries have tested this Kansas team before, and each time the Jayhawks have found ways to adapt. Losing Hanika is a setback, no doubt, but with Leipold’s steady leadership and the team’s depth on offense, Kansas still has every reason to believe it can keep pushing forward in the Big 12 race.
