Team captains on selection, ready for opening game
Lance Leipold announced there will be three set captains and a fourth would rotate in during the season. Offensive players Jalon Daniels and Bryce Foster along with Texas transfer Justice Finkley will represent the team in 2025.
The players met with the media to discuss being selected captains, the Fresno State game, playing in a new stadium and more.
Bryce Foster
Foster talked about honor of being named a team captain, describing it as emotional after transferring from Texas A&M. Foster credited new confidence for helping him elevate his game and leadership, while his teammates gave him with the nickname “Mount Cap.”
He praised the offensive line’s competition in camp and highlighted the leadership growth of lineman Calvin Clements, who has helped share responsibilities on the field. Foster said the group’s focus is on situational awareness and protecting “The Booth” as the line embraces its “Men of Booth” identity.
Entering game week, he’s excited to run out of the new tunnel and experience the atmosphere in Kansas’ new stadium. Looking ahead to Fresno State, Foster talked their energy and physicality, stressing the importance of preparation against a new defensive scheme.
Jalon Daniels
Daniels complimented Finkley for earning a captain’s role, calling him the “epitome” of the 1-ond-0 mentality with a voice that the entire defense respects. Daniels talked about the defense’s versatility under coordinator D.K. McDonald, noting how its multiple looks keep quarterbacks sharp.
On offense, he expressed confidence in a deep receiver group and Doug Emilien and Keaton Kubecka for guiding newcomers and building trust through offseason work. Daniels said chemistry has grown across the unit and he has faith in every receiver to make plays.
Looking ahead to Fresno State, he mentioned the preparation for unknown defensive schemes and praised offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski’s ability to adapt from the booth. Daniels added that he’s enjoying his final season by taking it each day.
Justice Finkley
Finkley called being voted a team captain a great honor, looking back how he has grown since arriving in January and how he’s developed into a more vocal leader. He said his focus has been on being a great teammate, holding others accountable, and setting the tone daily for the defense.
As the Jayhawks prepare for Fresno State, he emphasized the team’s shift from fall camp’s grind to a focus on details and game prep. He praised the Bulldogs’ run game and said the defense need to keep the “main thing the main thing” and block out distractions from the new stadium and uniforms. He added that the defense has been working hard with early film study and extra group work, leaving them ahead of schedule entering week zero.
