The Kansas Jayhawks believe they have landed one of the most explosive playmakers available through the transfer portal, and confidence surrounding Dylan Edwards continues to grow ahead of the 2026 college football season.
After making the high-profile move from Kansas State to its in-state rival, Edwards is expected to play a major role in reshaping the Jayhawks’ offense. While the transfer surprised many around the Big 12 because of the fierce rivalry between the two programs, Kansas players have already embraced the dynamic running back and believe he could become one of the team’s biggest difference-makers this fall.
Among those excited about Edwards’ arrival is veteran linebacker Tre Lathan, who recently explained why the speedy running back brings much more to the program than just elite athletic ability.
Lathan Highlights Edwards’ Football-First Mentality
Speaking during Big 12 Media Days, Lathan praised Edwards not only for his talent but also for his work ethic and team-first approach.
According to the Kansas linebacker, Edwards is a quiet personality who prefers letting his play speak for itself. More importantly, Lathan emphasized that the new addition genuinely loves the game and focuses solely on football rather than outside distractions—qualities he believes are invaluable in today’s rapidly changing college football landscape.
Lathan said players with Edwards’ mindset are exactly the type of leaders every successful program needs, describing him as someone fully committed to improving every day and helping the team win.
Former Rival Now Becomes Major Offensive Weapon
The praise carries extra significance because Lathan knows firsthand what Edwards can do on the football field.
The two faced each other during the 2024 season when Edwards was still wearing a Kansas State uniform. Although he served as the backup to standout running back DJ Giddens, Edwards still made his presence felt by producing 45 yards from scrimmage while adding another 34 yards on kickoff returns during the Wildcats’ convincing 45-18 victory over Kansas.
Lathan finished that contest with seven tackles but now finds himself on the same sideline as one of the players who previously gave the Jayhawks’ defense problems.
Healthy Edwards Could Be Among Nation’s Best
Despite entering Kansas as a three-star transfer according to 247Sports and ranking as the No. 21 running back in the transfer portal, many believe Edwards’ national profile doesn’t accurately reflect his ability.
His ranking suffered after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign at Kansas State, where he appeared in only four games before his season ended prematurely. Edwards finished that abbreviated year with 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 34 carries, limiting his opportunity to build on an outstanding sophomore season.
His breakout campaign came in 2024, when he emerged as one of the Wildcats’ most dangerous offensive weapons. During that season, Edwards rushed 74 times for 546 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an impressive 7.4 yards per carry. He also contributed 133 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, showcasing the versatility that made him one of the conference’s most exciting playmakers.
Perhaps his most memorable performance came against Kansas itself, when he accumulated 208 all-purpose yards in Kansas State’s dramatic 29-27 rivalry victory, demonstrating the game-breaking speed that has now crossed over to the Jayhawks.
Fresh Start After Injury Recovery
One of the biggest reasons for optimism surrounding Edwards is his improved health.
During spring practices, Edwards expressed excitement about finally getting back onto the field after spending much of last season battling a lingering ankle injury that prevented him from returning to peak form.
The transfer said his primary focus is simply playing healthy football again, and Kansas coaches believe a fully recovered Edwards has the potential to become one of the most explosive offensive players in the Big 12.
Kansas Building Dynamic Running Back Duo
Edwards won’t be carrying the workload alone.
Kansas has significantly upgraded its backfield by pairing him with former Syracuse standout Yasin Willis, creating a complementary rushing attack that could become one of the conference’s most balanced.
Edwards brings elite acceleration, open-field speed, and home-run ability capable of turning routine plays into long touchdowns. Willis, meanwhile, offers a more physical running style, using power and toughness to wear down opposing defenses throughout the course of a game.
The contrasting skill sets give the Jayhawks a dangerous one-two punch that offensive coaches hope will keep opposing defenses guessing all season long.
Jayhawks Looking to Revive Ground Game
Kansas enters the new season determined to improve after finishing 5-7 in 2025 despite averaging 157.8 rushing yards per game, a figure that ranked 60th nationally.
With Edwards now fully healthy and joining an upgraded running back room, expectations are rising that the Jayhawks can become one of the Big 12’s most explosive rushing teams while taking a significant step forward in the standings.
If Edwards returns to the form he displayed before injuries interrupted his career, Kansas may have secured one of the most impactful transfer additions in the conference heading into the 2026 campaign.
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