LAWRENCE, Kan. – Following a convincing 31-7 win over Fresno State in the opening game of the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks won't wait long for their second game inside The Booth as they are set to take on Wagner on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Mark Neely and Todd Doxson on the call.
The Jayhawks and Seahawks will face off for the first time ever in this matchup Friday night. While Kansas earned a Week 0 win over the Bulldogs, Wagner will be making its 2025 season debut against the Jayhawks. Out of the Northeast Conference, the FCS Seahawks went 4-8 last season under coach Tom Masella. Friday's game will be the Jayhawks' Salute to Service game, celebrating service members with tributes throughout the game.
Kansas opened its season in style in front of a sold-out crowd of 41,525 fans. Senior quarterback Jalon Daniels had a brilliant season debut, completing 18 of 20 passes for 176 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 47 yards on the ground, leading the Jayhawks to a strong, efficient effort on offense.
Wide receiver Cam Pickett, a transfer from Ball State, making his Kansas debut, emerged as one of Daniels' favorite targets in the win, catching six passes for 77 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Keaton Kubecka also caught the first touchdown of his career when he hauled in a 12-yard score from Daniels in the third quarter. The running game was also solid, with Daniel Hishaw Jr., totaling 68 yards on 13 carries and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams adding 57 yards and a touchdown on six carries.
Defensively, the Jayhawks were stout, allowing just 216 yards of total offense and just 37 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Linebackers Trey Lathan and Bangally Kamara anchored the effort, combining for 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup and 1 quarterback hurry. The defensive unit combined for 10 tackles-for-loss in the win, along with two interceptions, four pass breakups and three sacks.
Following the matchup with Wagner, Kansas will travel to Missouri to take on the Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m., on ESPN2. Following an open week, the Jayhawks return for two more home games at The Booth against Big 12 opponents, West Virginia and Cincinnati.