Kansas starting quarterback Jalon Daniels announced that he is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, via X.
Daniels just wrapped up his sixth season with the Jayhawks, finishing with 2,531 passing yards and 22 touchdowns through the air. A proven dual-threat weapon, he also added 404 rushing yards and four scores on the ground, showcasing the dynamic playmaking ability that’s defined his career in Lawrence.
“Rock Chalk Nation, thank you for standing by me through every moment,” Daniels wrote. “From the energy on gameday, to the support during adversity. Representing this university and wearing the crimson and blue was an honor I will always carry with pride. With that said, the time has come for me to take the next steps in my career and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.”
Daniels helped change the trajectory of the Kansas program, leading the Jayhawks to a 9-4 finish in 2023, capped by a win in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
He played a key role in helping KU return to the AP Top 25 and was instrumental in guiding the program to back-to-back bowl appearances for the first time since 2008.
Over the course of his career in Lawrence, Daniels racked up 9,282 passing yards and 67 touchdown passes, cementing his place among the most productive quarterbacks in Kansas history. His impact on the ground game was evident, as he added 1,451 rushing yards and 23 scores.
Whether through the air or with his legs, Daniels consistently found ways to make plays and put points on the board, becoming one of the most dynamic offensive weapons the program has ever seen.
