Hailey
The Kansas football transfer portal activity picked up quickly as the winter transfer window opened in early January. By January 5, the Jayhawks had already seen major roster movement, with new incoming transfers, a growing list of departures, and clear positional needs forming ahead of spring preparation.
Across college football, the early days of the winter portal are always intense, and Kansas is no exception. The coaching staff is focused on balancing experience with depth, especially after several contributors from the 2025 season entered the portal.
This update breaks down all confirmed Kansas transfer news, player details, numbers, and what the Jayhawks still need to address.
Kansas Transfer Portal Summary As Of January 5
As of January 5, Kansas has:
- 5 confirmed incoming transfers
- 23 outgoing transfer portal entries
- Heavy roster turnover on defense, especially at linebacker and defensive back
This early wave suggests Kansas is prioritizing physical help in the trenches while preparing to reload defensively.
Kansas Incoming Transfers And Player Details
Kansas has added five players through the transfer portal, focusing on size, experience, and proven production.
- Jibriel Conde (Defensive Line) – Listed at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Conde adds length and strength up front and is viewed as a high-upside defensive lineman.
- Eamon Smalls (Defensive Line) – At 6-foot-2, 310 pounds, Smalls brings interior power. In the 2025 season, he recorded 50 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
- Connor Stroh (Interior Offensive Line) – Standing 6-foot-7, 341 pounds, Stroh started five games last season and provides immediate size and experience to the offensive line rotation.
- Landyn Watson (Linebacker) – A 6-foot-1, 242-pound linebacker who adds physical depth and experience to a position group undergoing heavy turnover.
- Jalen Dupree (Running Back) – Listed at 6-foot, 210 pounds, Dupree rushed for 508 yards in 2025, averaging 5.0 yards per carry, giving Kansas another reliable backfield option.
Kansas Outgoing Transfers- What Happened
Kansas has 23 players listed as outgoing transfers so far, with most of the losses coming on the defensive side of the ball.
Notable departures include:
- Joseph Sipp Jr. (Linebacker) – Appeared in four games and recorded two tackles during an injury-affected season.
- Trey Lathan (Linebacker) – One of the most productive losses, finishing with 51 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception in 2025.
- Lyrik Rawls (Safety) – Posted 72 total tackles (56 solo), 7 pass breakups, and 1 interception, making his exit particularly impactful.
- David McComb (Quarterback) – A redshirt freshman quarterback entering the portal with four years of eligibility remaining.
Other players entering the portal include Dylan Brooks, Jaidyn Doss, Carter Lavrusky, Tyler Mercer, Jacoby Davis, Aundre Gibson, Caleb Redd, Harry Stewart III, Kene Anene, Laquan Robinson, Greydon Grimes, Logan Brantley, Jameel Croft Jr., Jon Jon Kamara, Damani Maxson, Jaden Hamm, JaCorey Stewart, Bryce Cohoon, and Johnny Thompson Jr.
Kansas Transfer Portal Snapshot
| Category | Number | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming Transfers | 5 | Defensive line, linebacker, offensive line, running back |
| Outgoing Transfers | 23 | Heavy losses at linebacker and defensive back |
| Most Affected Units | — | Linebacker, secondary, offensive line depth |
| Portal Window | — | Early January winter transfer period |
What Kansas Still Needs To Address
Despite early additions, Kansas still has clear priorities:
- Linebacker Depth – Multiple experienced linebackers exited, leaving a need for additional portal help.
- Secondary Reinforcements – The loss of veteran defensive backs could force Kansas to seek immediate starters.
- Offensive Line Stability – While Connor Stroh adds size, further depth may be required to handle injuries and rotations.
The Kansas football transfer portal update for January 5 shows a program actively reshaping its roster. With five incoming transfers and 23 outgoing players, Kansas is clearly in transition.
The Jayhawks have addressed key needs on the defensive line and offensive line, but linebacker and secondary depth remain major priorities.
As the winter window continues, Kansas is expected to stay aggressive in the portal to ensure the roster is balanced, competitive, and ready for the upcoming season.