Lance Leipold wants state championships at new stadium, more from fall camp

Kansas is about halfway through its fall training camp, completing its seventh practice on Thursday. Lance Leipold spoke with the media after practice, mentioning that he wants to see state championships at the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. He also talked about the progress on getting into the stadium and what the project means, as well as the competition along the offensive line.

Leipold wanted state champions recognized at stadium, hopes to see championship game in Lawrence

Kansas unveiled a display of every high school state championship as part of the stadium renovations. Leipold pushed for it to be a part of the new stadium, getting the idea from Lambeau Field from his time at Wisconsin-Whitewater and hoping to continue to push the efforts of in-state recruiting.

“They’ve given a lot of recognition for different things in that area, and they’ve kind of made it multi-use. I thought we could kind of copy that in some form,” Leipold said. “And really again, as we’ve talked about since our arrival, recruiting the state and recognizing the efforts of the high school programs, the high school coaches and all those things were going to be important to us.”

Kansas is making strong waves in recruiting the state of Kansas in the class of 2026, holding commitments from six of the top 10 players. Leipold said he wanted to recognize Kansas high school football in the stadium, with the ultimate goal of hosting state championships there or at Kansas State.

“[I’m] hoping that when the stadium is complete, the possibility of state championships and things being played here is something I’ve talked with Coach Kleiman at K-State about,” Leipold said. “Even tossing the idea of alternating the site for the championship between the two universities. I think the state championship should be played in the FBS — not against Pitt State or any of the other locations. But I think it’s great exposure, a great experience for young men, and all these things can tie together down the road.”

Leipold said his idea would be to have whichever school that doesn’t host the Sunflower Showdown would host the state championship.

“All those things are about the future use of this stadium and other things that we can do,” Leipold said. “But of course recognizing and showing our appreciation to the high schools here.”

Excited about getting into the stadium soon, wants it to be a beneficial home-field environment

Leipold said at the start of fall camp that the team was planning for an August 1st practice date inside the stadium. He didn’t give a definitive answer if that was still on track, but Leipold did say it’s exciting to see things moving in a positive direction.

“You can kind of see it outside my office — the bags of sand and rubber disappearing,” Leipold said. “Lots of fire alarm testing, and things are moving toward approval. We’re hoping to get the word soon, and I know our guys will be excited.”

The stadium project is a bigger marker of Kansas’ commitment to football, according to Leipold. He said it’ll have great sightlines, increased energy, and be a help in recruiting.

“It’s a sign of confidence and commitment to the program that filters through the locker room,” Leipold said. “The design will have great sightlines and help keep energy and volume in the stadium… It’ll feel more intimate, more exciting, and help in recruiting. But really, we want it to be a place to be on Saturdays — to create a tough place to play and an environment that benefits the home team.”

Bryce Foster back at practice, players competing for spots on offensive line

Foster missed the start of fall camp after undergoing a procedure during the summer. He’s made his way back to practice, and Leipold isn’t pushing things too much in order to avoid a setback.

“He’s doing some indy drills, taking a couple one-on-one reps,” Leipold said. “From the initial part, I wasn’t expecting anything for probably another week. I haven’t pressed Trent and our training staff on when he’ll be out there. We’re in a really good spot with him and want to make sure he’s ready to go — especially for an interior offensive lineman, where pile-ups happen. We don’t want any setbacks.”

Aside from Foster, there are a lot of players competing for spots on the offensive line. Leipold said Kansas has a chance to “put some big fellows out there,” and that a scout came by practice and mentioned how different Kansas’ line looks from a size standpoint.

“Nolan Gorczyca and Enrique Cruz continue to battle at the guard spot. Jack Tanner’s playing both left and right. I’m happy with that,” Leipold said. “James Livingston has shown maturity and confidence — being more vocal — I’m really proud of him. Amir Herring’s had to jump in and play center as well as guard, and has shown physicality.”