For Kansas football, one of the biggest questions entering the 2026 season was whether Isaiah Marshall could successfully take over at quarterback following the departure of Jalon Daniels.
After one game, the early answer is encouraging.
Marshall made his first career start Friday night and helped lead Kansas to a dominant 51-6 victory over Long Island. The sophomore quarterback completed 14 of 19 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns while adding 49 rushing yards on seven carries. He also finished the night without throwing an interception or taking a sack.
More importantly, Marshall showed the ability to make plays down the field.
His chemistry with Buffalo transfer Nik McMillan immediately stood out. Marshall connected with McMillan for a 46-yard gain in the second quarter before finding him again for a 19-yard touchdown just before halftime. McMillan finished with six receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown in his Kansas debut.
That type of connection gives Kansas another dimension offensively.
The Jayhawks finished with 613 total yards against LIU, including 336 through the air and 277 on the ground. Kansas also scored five rushing touchdowns, showing that defenses cannot simply focus on Marshall and the passing game.
Marshall’s performance also gives Kansas confidence heading into a much more difficult test.
The Jayhawks will host No. 25 Missouri on Friday, Sept. 11, in the Border War. Missouri opened its season with a 54-14 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, meaning Marshall will face a significantly stronger defense and a much different environment than he did against LIU.
There were still some things Marshall can improve.
Kansas had a sluggish opening quarter, scoring only six points before exploding for 24 points in the second quarter. Marshall also had at least one early throw that could have resulted in an interception. Against Missouri, those mistakes could become much more costly.
Still, the overall performance changed the conversation surrounding Kansas’ quarterback situation.
Replacing Daniels was always going to be one of the biggest challenges facing Lance Leipold’s team. Instead of looking like a quarterback simply trying to survive his first start, Marshall looked comfortable running the offense and showed enough playmaking ability to make Kansas fans believe the offense can remain dangerous.
The Jayhawks still have plenty to prove, especially against tougher competition. But Marshall’s debut provided something Kansas desperately needed: confidence at the most important position on the field.
If he can build on his performance against LIU, Kansas may have found more than just a replacement for Daniels.
It may have found the quarterback who can lead the Jayhawks into the next chapter of the Leipold era.
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Jimmy Adeniran is a contributor to JayhawksROUNDTABLE. He can be reached at mayor@iw2j.com
