Kansas wasted no time making a statement to start the 2025 season, rolling past Fresno State 31-7 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. From the first drive, it was clear the Jayhawks had the upper hand, and they never allowed the Bulldogs to climb back into the game.
Jayhawks dominate both sides of the ball
Quarterback Jalon Daniels looked sharp and completely in control of the offense. The senior leader connected on 18 of 20 passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns, showing why Kansas entered the season with high expectations. Daniels also kept drives alive with his legs, rushing for 47 yards and putting constant pressure on Fresno State’s defense.
Cam Pickett emerged as his top target, catching six passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns. The connection between Daniels and Pickett was unstoppable in key moments, and DeShawn Hanika added steady contributions in the passing game.
Kansas didn’t just rely on its quarterback. The ground attack piled up 207 rushing yards behind Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams. Hishaw powered his way to 69 yards on 13 carries, while Williams broke loose for 57 yards and a touchdown on only six carries. The offensive line controlled the trenches, giving Kansas balance and keeping Fresno State guessing.
Fresno State struggles to respond
The Bulldogs had no answer after their opening touchdown drive. Quarterback E.J. Warner, who transferred in with high expectations, threw for 179 yards but was picked off twice and struggled to move the chains. He finished with no touchdown passes and a completion rate that looked better on paper than it felt in the game.
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Fresno State’s run game never found its footing either. The team combined for just 37 rushing yards on 29 attempts, averaging barely over a yard per carry. Elijah Gilliam scored the lone touchdown for the Bulldogs on a short run in the first quarter, but after that, Kansas’ defense locked down.
The Jayhawks forced two turnovers, registered three sacks, and consistently won at the line of scrimmage. Linebacker Trey Lathan and defensive end Bangally Kamara anchored a front that smothered Fresno State’s rushing attempts. Defensive backs Lyrik Rawls and Devin Dye each came away with an interception, sealing the win in the second half.
Game flow turns quickly
After Fresno State briefly tied the game at 7-7, Kansas ripped off 24 unanswered points. Daniels’ 21-yard touchdown strike to Pickett late in the first quarter set the tone, and the Jayhawks’ defense took over from there.
By halftime, Kansas held a commanding 24-7 lead. The Bulldogs came out of the locker room looking for momentum, but Warner’s second interception snuffed out any chance of a rally. Kansas answered with another touchdown drive, stretching the lead to 31-7 and effectively closing the door.
The fourth quarter turned into a showcase for Kansas’ depth, as younger players saw action while the defense continued to hold Fresno State scoreless.
Looking ahead
The victory gives Kansas a 1-0 start. Head coach Lance Leipold has built steady progress with the program, and this type of dominant opener signals that the Jayhawks could once again be a factor in the Big 12 race.
Kansas will host Wagner on Friday, before a big game at Missouri on Sept. 6.
For Fresno State, they will look to pick up their first win as they host Georgia Southern on Saturday.
Final thoughts on Jayhawks
Kansas delivered exactly what its fans hoped for: a dominant home opener, a star showing from Jalon Daniels, and a defense that played fast and physical. Fresno State will head back to the drawing board, while the Jayhawks head into September with plenty of confidence and momentum.
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