Kansas enters the season with a battle between Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall to replace Jalon Daniels. The coaching staff has not named a starter, and the opener against LIU may be used to evaluate both. Ballard has more experience as a backup, while Marshall offers a dual-threat element. The decision will shape the offensive identity and play-calling.

The transfer running back, a Kansas native, joins his third program and is expected to be a focal point of the offense. His versatility as a runner and receiver gives Andy Kotelnicki creative options. With depth at RB from Yasin Willis and Jalen Dupree, Kansas can keep Edwards fresh and use him in space.

Kansas struggled against the run and lacked turnovers in 2025. The addition of transfers like David Santiago (EDGE), Bam Crouch (LB), and Jibreel Al-Amin (LB) bolsters the front seven. The secondary also adds multiple transfers, including Corey Gordon and Jaden Harris, to increase depth and playmaking. This unit will be tested early against LIU's offense.

Kansas plays at home with a venue HFA of 2.8, a significant edge. The forecast calls for patchy rain and 26 mph wind, which could affect passing and kicking. Kansas's run-heavy approach with Edwards and a deep RB room may be well-suited to these conditions, while LIU may struggle with the elements.

Long Island University is an FCS program with no prior record or power rating. Kansas is heavily favored, but the team must execute cleanly to build momentum for a challenging upcoming schedule (Missouri, Arizona State). The opener is a chance to establish rhythm, especially for the new QB and offensive line.

TCU debuts a pro-style offense under new coordinator Gordon Sammis with Harvard transfer Jaden Craig at quarterback. The offense will be tested immediately against North Carolina in a neutral-site game, with no prior game reps to build chemistry. The cold, misty weather (44°F, wind 7 mph) could hinder passing rhythm, making the running game—led by returning back Jeremy Payne—critical for early success.

TCU returns key defensive linemen Markis Deal and Zach Chapman, who helped the team finish fifth in the Big 12 in rushing defense last season. This unit should be a strength against North Carolina's offensive line, potentially disrupting the run game and pressuring the quarterback. However, the linebacker corps is unproven behind Max Carroll, which could be exploited if the defensive line doesn't generate consistent pressure.

Cornerback was TCU's biggest weakness last season, but the emergence of 6'3" Gil Jackson and return of Vernon Glover Jr. offer hope. Safety Jamel Johnson (96 tackles, 5 INTs) is an All-Big 12 leader. The secondary will face a stiff test from North Carolina's passing game, and their performance could determine whether TCU can force turnovers or get burned deep.

TCU travels 4,497 miles one-way to the neutral site, a significant logistical challenge for a season opener. With no home-field advantage (HFA 0) and a potentially sparse crowd, the Horned Frogs must rely on discipline and focus to avoid a slow start. The team's depth and conditioning will be tested after the long trip.

Kicker Kyle Lemmermann returns after an injury-plagued season, and new punter John Hoyet Chance (Louisiana Tech transfer) adds experience. In cold, misty weather, field position and kicking accuracy become magnified. TCU's ability to win the hidden yardage battle—especially on punts and kickoffs—could be a decisive factor in a low-scoring, grind-it-out game.