The Kansas Jayhawks are entering the 2026 college football season with a new look in the backfield, and much of the optimism surrounding the offense centers on the arrival of explosive running back Dylan Edwards.
After several years of stability at the position, Kansas is preparing to hand the keys of its rushing attack to Edwards, whose speed, versatility and big-play ability could make him one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the Big 12 if he remains healthy throughout the season.
With the departure of longtime standout Devin Neal to the NFL and the New Orleans Saints, the Jayhawks are looking for a new featured runner capable of carrying the offense. Edwards, who transferred from Kansas State, appears to be the leading candidate to fill that role.
Jayhawks Begin New Era in the Backfield
Kansas has enjoyed remarkable consistency at running back over the past several seasons.
Neal established himself as one of the most productive players in program history during his four-year career before moving on to the professional ranks. Last season, veterans Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams shared responsibilities effectively, helping the Jayhawks maintain a balanced offensive attack.
Now, head coach Lance Leipold is expected to rely heavily on a new duo featuring Edwards and Syracuse transfer Yasin Willis, with Edwards entering preseason camp as the most intriguing and potentially explosive option.
Explosive Talent Looking for Fresh Start
Edwards’ collegiate journey has already taken him through several prominent programs.
He began his career at Colorado, where he flashed impressive athleticism during his freshman campaign while appearing in 12 games. Although his opportunities were somewhat limited, he still rushed 76 times for 321 yards, demonstrating the burst that made him one of the nation’s most sought-after high school prospects.
Seeking a larger role, Edwards transferred to Kansas State, where he spent the next two seasons developing behind one of the nation’s top rushing attacks.
During his first year in Manhattan, he shared the backfield with future NFL running back DJ Giddens, while dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson also handled a significant portion of the Wildcats’ rushing workload.
Even with limited carries, Edwards made the most of every opportunity.
He rushed for 546 yards on just 74 carries, averaging an impressive 7.4 yards per attempt, one of the best figures among Big 12 running backs.
Dangerous Weapon in the Passing Game
Edwards’ value extends far beyond traditional rushing situations.
Throughout his first two collegiate seasons, he proved to be an outstanding receiving threat out of the backfield, hauling in 55 receptions for 432 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and contribute in multiple offensive packages gives Kansas another dimension that opposing defenses must account for every week.
That versatility is expected to make him a focal point of the Jayhawks’ offensive game plan.
Injury Derailed Breakout Opportunity
The 2025 season appeared set to be Edwards’ breakout campaign.
After waiting patiently behind veteran teammates, he entered the year as Kansas State’s projected lead running back.
Unfortunately, those plans changed almost immediately.
Edwards suffered an ankle injury during the opening game of the season, dramatically limiting both his playing time and effectiveness.
Although he managed to appear in four games, only one outing showcased his full potential, as he exploded for 166 rushing yards on 20 carries, reminding everyone of the game-changing ability that made him one of the conference’s most exciting young players.
The injury ultimately prevented him from establishing himself as one of the Big 12’s premier backs.
Kansas Betting on Healthy Return
The Jayhawks believe a fully recovered Edwards can rediscover the form that made him one of college football’s most explosive runners.
His career averages illustrate just how dangerous he can be with regular opportunities.
During his sophomore season, Edwards averaged 7.4 yards per carry, while in his healthiest appearance last year he averaged an even more impressive 8.3 yards per rush.
Few running backs nationally have demonstrated that level of efficiency over multiple seasons.
If he can maintain that explosiveness while handling a larger workload, Kansas could once again field one of the conference’s most dangerous rushing attacks.
Success Depends on More Than Edwards Alone
While Edwards possesses the talent to become one of the Big 12’s breakout stars, Kansas understands his production will depend heavily on the players around him.
Several important questions remain unanswered entering the season.
The offensive line must consistently create running lanes against talented conference defenses, while the passing attack must prove capable of stretching the field and preventing opponents from stacking the line of scrimmage.
Kansas also enters preseason camp without a firmly established starting quarterback, leaving uncertainty about how balanced the offense will ultimately become.
If opposing defenses focus primarily on stopping the run, Edwards could face far more difficult rushing conditions than he experienced earlier in his career.
Dynamic Backfield Taking Shape
Despite those concerns, Kansas appears well-positioned at running back.
Yasin Willis is expected to complement Edwards throughout the season, while several younger backs on the roster are likely to contribute in rotational roles.
Even if carries are divided among multiple players, Edwards is widely expected to receive the majority of touches because of his unique combination of speed, vision and receiving ability.
His versatility also allows offensive coaches to keep him on the field in virtually every situation, whether running between the tackles, catching passes, or creating mismatches in open space.
High Expectations for 2026
If Edwards can stay healthy, many believe he has the potential to emerge as one of the Big 12’s top offensive performers during the 2026 season.
His home-run speed, ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver, and experience in multiple offensive systems provide Kansas with a dynamic weapon capable of changing games with a single play.
For a Jayhawks program hoping to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging Big 12 Conference, Edwards could prove to be the difference-maker that keeps Kansas among the league’s most dangerous offensive teams.
After years of producing standout running backs, the Jayhawks are now counting on Dylan Edwards to become the next star to carry the tradition forward.
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