Lance Leipold reveals where backup quarterback battle between Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall

Kansas will enter another season with stability at the quarterback position. Jalon Daniels is once again going to be the Jayhawks’ starter, returning for another campaign under head coach Lance Leipold. Injuries have been a challenge in previous years, but Daniels appears ready to go for 2025.

Leipold knows his backup might wind up being an important player, given Daniels’ injury history. Right now, Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall are in the running for the job. When Leipold was asked if there would be a QB2 competition, he said both guys need to be ready to come in and compete.

“There’s competition in our program every day,” Leipold said. “I think you guys have known me long enough for that. Again, everything is under evaluation and what you do. We’re not going to hand you a position and we continue to go. You can’t show up on Monday and Tuesday and not mentally be in it or physically producing in the way that the other guy won’t have an opportunity if something were to happen.”

Ballard is entering his third season with the program after being an unranked player coming out of Westfield (IN). There are seven appearances on the resume, throwing for 337 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, while completing 59.5% of throws.

As for Marshall, he has one year less of experience, and did not get any playing time during the 2024 season. A redshirt was taken, meaning there are four years of eligibility remaining. There is so excitement surrounding Marshall in Lawrence, beating out other power conference programs for his services.

Marshall played high school football at Southfield (MI), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 514 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Based on the decisions we saw last go-round from Leipold, Ballard might be the one with an advantage. Getting into four games might not seem like a lot, but having a plethora of throws has him more adapted to the college game. Right now, Marshall cannot say the same.

However, everyone is hoping Daniels can remain completely healthy throughout the season. Kansas has found an immense amount of success with him leading the offense. If Leipold is once again going to take the program to another level, Daniels will be a key piece.