The new era of Kansas Football is here, and it is beautiful.
On Monday, the Jayhawks were listed at No. 22 on the Preseason Top 25 AP Poll for the first time since 2009. Shortly after hearing the news, Kansas head coach Lance Leipold spoke to members of the media in Lawrence about the honor.
“It doesn’t mean much, especially as we get close to kicking off, but I also have to make sure it does mean something for this program considering where we’re at and what it’s been,” Leipold said. “We need to make sure that we’re taking strides from last year and enough this year that people are recognizing this program and the talent on this team.”
The Jayhawks are coming off their most successful year since 2007 when they finished with a 12-1 record capped off by an Orange Bowl win. Leipold’s nine wins are the third-most of any Kansas football team dating back to 1970.
“That is positive because whether it be recruiting, our fanbase, or whatever the case may be, we’ve gotta take these types of things and take them for what they’re worth,” Leipold continued. “But it’s also at face value because it doesn’t win you anything, but again, hopefully, people are going to get behind this program.”
While many coaches have tried to emulate Lance Leipold’s success in Lawrence, AD Travis Goff hired the perfect man for the job. Now, Kansas will kick off its 2024 season, holding the nation’s No. 22 spot.
