The Kansas Jayhawks are set to begin their 2025 football season with a home game against Fresno State at the newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The opening of the stadium brings anticipation as fans and analysts consider what to expect from both teams in this matchup.
Staff commentary highlights several key storylines ahead of the contest. Quarterback Jalon Daniels returns for the Jayhawks, but questions remain about the roster after losing important players on both offense and defense following a disappointing 2024 season. Analysts note that Fresno State presents a significant challenge, recognized for its recent successes and competitive games against high-profile programs such as Michigan last year.
Kansas enters as favorites, but many predict a closely contested match. Caleb Kalcich commented, “We have finally reached college football season as Kansas debuts its new stadium in Week 0. While it is an exciting time for Lawrence, there are plenty of questions on the Jayhawks’ football roster entering 2025.” Kalcich added, “While Jalon Daniels does return, the Jayhawks lost key playmakers on both sides of the ball, and after a disappointing 2024 campaign, there are plenty of questions about what this football team can be this year. Their first opponent is not easy either as Fresno State comes to town.” He also said, “The Bulldogs have been one of the more successful G5 programs over the past decade and even gave Michigan all they could ask in Ann Arbor last season to open 2024.” Kalcich concluded, “Jalon Daniels will be a key point in not only this game but the rest of the season. Which version of Daniels will we get, the one that struggled to start 2024 or the one that led KU to victories over Iowa State, BYU and Colorado (…) I think this is a game where it is sluggish to begin the game, and Kansas could find themselves trailing after the first quarter. However, this Kansas team is more talented than Fresno State and should be able to take care of business the rest of the way. It may be a little closer and uncomfortable than most people think but Fresno State is not a team to take lightly (…) Kansas holds off a late Bulldog drive to tie the game and earn another season-opening victory.”
Other staff members reflected similar caution about underestimating Fresno State given their track record for upsets within their conference. Liam Carson stated his excitement for both the new venue and upcoming season: “I’m getting pumped up just thinking about football season, and I can’t believe it’s finally here. Is there a better way to welcome the brand new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium than a week 0 win? I don’t think so.” He continued with analysis: “I think Kansas football picks up a win over Fresno State on Saturday, but I don’t think it will be as easy as some may think. I think the Jayhawks and Bulldogs are in a hard-fought battle until the start of the fourth quarter (…) The Jayhawks should feed off that energy and make a big play that breaks the game open (…).”
Daniel Schmidt emphasized roster changes at Kansas while highlighting E.J. Warner’s background: “We’re at the best time of the year, college football season (…). Lance Leipold had the tough task of rebuilding Kansas after they lost (key players) (…) Now that I’m done yapping about the season, let’s get into this game. Fresno State is led by E.J. Warner. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Kurt Warner (…).” Schmidt pointed out that Matt Entz now coaches Fresno State: “(…) And with two-time FCS national champion Matt Entz at the helm, this isn’t a buy game for the Jayhawks.”
Alec Greene reiterated expectations for an initial close contest before Kansas secures victory in their new home: “(…) While this may appear as a ‘warm-up’ game to fans, I expect it to be closer than most anticipate (…).” Greene also noted Warner’s credentials: “(…) Transfer quarterback E.J. Warner, son of two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner now leads (Fresno State) (…) With Fresno State’s ability to create explosive plays and Warner taking snaps (…)”
Predictions among staff generally favor Kansas for an opening win but with varying margin forecasts.
As kickoff approaches at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, attention remains focused on whether experienced players like Jalon Daniels can leverage continuity amid significant roster turnover against an established opponent featuring connections to Pro Football Hall of Fame history through E.J. Warner.
