Jalon Daniels injury update: Kansas QB leaves game with apparent arm issue

An unfortunate twist took place during Saturday’s game against Iowa State for Kansas. Quarterback Jalon Daniels left the showdown with an apparent arm issue in the third quarter.

As Daniels went to the sidelines, backup Cole Ballard entered the game. He actually threw a touchdown to Boden Groen on the next play, cutting the deficit to 24-14. The Jayhawks are trying to get their sixth win of the season, and it remains to be seen who will quarterback them over the remainder of the game.

Moreover, the Jayhawks entered Week 14 seeking their all-important sixth win, which is of course the magic number for bowl eligibility. Daniels’ status now looms large as a storyline for the final stretch of the game. Whether Ballard or Daniels finishes this game could determine whether Kansas makes a comeback in a tough road environment.

One thing is for sure in the meantime, and that’s the fact that Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell has a ton of respect for Kansa. Earlier this week, he called KU “maybe the most talented team in this conference by position group.”

His praise centered heavily on Daniels, who has grown into one of the most complete quarterbacks in the league. Campbell has seen that firsthand, as Kansas has defeated Iowa State twice during Daniels’ tenure, first in a grind-it-out defensive battle in 2022 and again in an explosive offensive showing in 2024.

“I mean, you look at the amount of experience, obviously, starting at quarterback and how talented he is,” Campbell said Tuesday. “His ability to throw the football, be vertical down the field, deliver precision passes, he’s done an incredible job of honing in on the complete package.”

Additionally, Campbell highlighted other aspects of KU’s offense, like their wide receiving corps and one of the Big 12’s strongest offensive lines. That offensive cohesion has allowed Kansas to evolve from a conference underdog into a legitimate weekly threat.

Daniels has been central to that rise, and his health now becomes one of the most important questions not only for this game, but for the Jayhawks’ bowl hopes. Kansas will continue to evaluate its quarterback situation as the matchup unfolds.

For now, all eyes shift to the sideline, and to whether Daniels can return to finish what he started. Iowa State leads for now, but anything can happen over the remainder of this one in Ames.

UPDATE: Jalon Daniels returned to the game on the next offensive series.