Kansas star quarterback Jalon Daniels has been named the recipient of the Pop Warner College Football Award, which highlights excellence both on and off the field, the university announced.
Daniels became the program’s first-ever Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2024 and was a five-time Academic All-Big 12 selection during his time in Lawrence. His achievements in the classroom matched his impact on the field, where he helped elevate Kansas football to national relevance.
His leadership, resilience, and academic commitment have made him a standout representative of the program.
The university also noted Daniels’ impact off the field through his “Mom2JD6” Foundation, which provides support for single mothers by offering training, financial assistance, and resources to help their children participate in sports, according to a press release.
Dating back to the 2022 season, the 6-foot quarterback played a pivotal role in helping Kansas reach its first bowl game since 2008. He then led the Jayhawks to one of their best seasons in recent history in 2023, finishing with a 9-4 record.
In 2025, Daniels passed for 2,531 yards and 22 touchdowns, continuing to anchor Kansas’ offense with poise and precision. Throughout his career, he established himself as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big 12, a reputation he reinforced this season by adding 404 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Daniels’ versatility was a key component of Kansas’ success and helped solidify his legacy as one of the most impactful signal-callers in program history.
