Opening night delivers drama as Kansas seeks momentum and Fresno State begins the Matt Entz era in a prime-time showdown.
Kansas, Fresno State set for intriguing opener under the lights originally appeared on The Sporting News
Heading into the opening game, Kansas head coach Lance Leipold made it clear during his weekly press conference that his team is energized and ready to play.
“I think it’s gone very well…Guys are excited…I thought they turned the corner as far as kind of legs starting to come back, feeling good. They had great energy.”
The matchup presents a unique challenge. Fresno State is coached by Matt Entz, formerly of North Dakota State, who has built a reputation for physical, disciplined football. Leipold acknowledged the Bulldogs’ roster turnover but expects Entz’s fingerprints to show quickly.
Wake up, Jayhawk Nation – It’s GAMEDAY 🏈#RockChalk x @Kansas_Lotterypic.twitter.com/GTdrEUXt7u
— Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) August 23, 2025
“They too have a lot of new guys. I think 43…high school, portal or junior college signees,” Leipold explained. “You look at [his] team when he was head coach of North Dakota State, they’re physical, they could run the football…there’s a lot of different areas you walk into a film room and you’re trying to figure out who’s playing who sometimes in game.”
For Kansas, stability comes at quarterback. Jalon Daniels will once again lead the offense and was named one of three captains. “Jalon Daniels, Bryce Foster, and Justice Finkley will be our three captains,” Leipold said. “And more than likely, we will rotate at least one other guy as a fourth captain on a weekly basis.”
Other roles remain undecided. Leipold confirmed rotations are expected on the offensive line, while true freshman Tate Nagy claimed the punt return job. “He’s excellent at making the first guy miss and get the ball up the field…very confident with him doing it.”
Ultimately, Leipold stressed evaluation begins under the lights. “I was going to make sure I didn’t say the word anxious to play…I’m excited to see this team play. I like the makeup of it. I like their disposition on how they go about it.”
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