Kansas Jayhawks football

The Kansas Jayhawks football team, representing the University of Kansas, is one of the oldest college football programs in the nation. Established in 1890, the Jayhawks are a storied program competing in the NCAA Division I Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Big 12 Conference. The team plays its home games at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a venue steeped in history since its opening in 1921.

The Jayhawks' football journey began in 1890 under the leadership of player-coach Will Coleman. Kansas's early success came quickly; by 1891, the team, coached by E. M. Hopkins, posted an impressive 7–0–1 record and played its first game against the University of Missouri, marking the start of the historic Border War rivalry.

The early 20th century saw significant milestones for the program. In 1899, under the guidance of Hall-of-Famer Fielding H. Yost, Kansas achieved its first perfect season with a 10–0 record. John Outland, another Hall-of-Famer, briefly coached the team in 1901, though his tenure was less successful. The 1908 season was remarkable for the Jayhawks, with A. R. Kennedy at the helm. Kennedy led the team to an undefeated season and the school's first major conference title. His tenure is notable for its long-lasting success, with a winning percentage that still ranks high among Kansas coaches.

Despite Kennedy's strong leadership, the program faced frequent coaching changes in the following years, with varying degrees of success. Pottsy Clark, a future NFL head coach, and Bill Hargiss, an early innovator in football tactics, had brief but impactful tenures. Under Hargiss, the Jayhawks won the Big Six Conference title in 1930. Adrian Lindsey and Gwinn Henry continued the cycle of instability with mixed results, and Henry Shenk’s tenure was also marked by underperformance.

A significant period of success returned with George Sauer, who coached Kansas to its first bowl game appearance in 1947 and a high national ranking. Sauer’s time at Kansas was followed by Jules Sikes, who had several winning seasons but was ultimately let go after a poor performance in 1953.

The mid-20th century saw ups and downs. Chuck Mather's tenure began with a winless season in 1954, followed by struggles that led to his departure. Jack Mitchell brought stability and success, leading Kansas to bowl games and top-20 rankings before retiring. Pepper Rodgers achieved notable success by winning the Big Eight Conference title in 1968 and leading the team to the Orange Bowl.

The 1970s and 1980s were marked by a mix of achievements and challenges. Don Fambrough’s first stint saw a notable 7–4 record and a Liberty Bowl appearance in 1973. He returned in 1979 and led the team to an 8–4 record and another bowl game. Bud Moore, a coach with a background from Alabama, achieved significant victories, including ending Oklahoma's 37-game winning streak, and earned accolades for his performance. However, the success was short-lived as Moore was replaced after a series of disappointing seasons.

Mike Gottfried took over in the early 1980s, but his tenure was marked by modest improvements rather than significant success. After a brief period under Gottfried, the program struggled to find its footing.

The early 2000s brought more instability. Mark Mangino revitalized the program, achieving a remarkable 12–1 season in 2007, culminating in an Orange Bowl victory. However, the years following Mangino's departure were difficult for the Jayhawks, marked by a dismal record and numerous losses. The team experienced long losing streaks, including a 46-game road losing streak and a 56-game road conference losing streak.

A turning point came with the hiring of Lance Leipold as head coach in 2021. Leipold's impact has been significant, leading the team to improved performances and breaking long-standing losing streaks. In 2022, the Jayhawks ended a 44-game losing streak to ranked teams by defeating 18th-ranked Oklahoma State and became bowl eligible for the first time since 2008.

Throughout its history, the Kansas Jayhawks football program has seen periods of glory and struggle. Notable former players include Pro Football Hall of Famers Gale Sayers, John Riggins, and Mike McCormack, as well as several All-Americans. The program’s legacy is also enriched by its historical connections, including its role in early televised college football and its ongoing rivalry with Missouri. Despite the ups and downs, the Jayhawks continue to build on their rich history and strive for future success.