It’s strange writing about the Kansas Jayhawks during the summer. Normally, I don’t start thinking about anything crimson and blue until later in the year when Bill Self and the basketball team start firing up the ‘ol engine in preparation for another potential trip to the Final Four. Be that as it may, the calendar has turned to August and the Jayhawks rate out amongst the top-25 teams in the nation entirely due to the job Lance Leipold and his staff did resurrecting the program from the ashes to turn it into a potential dark horse to cash in on the Big 12 title odds at the online sportsbook for the first time in program history. The natural progression began in earnest following the disaster of a season that went down in Les Miles’ final season calling the shots in Lawrence. Kansas would win two games in Leipold’s first go-round after coming in from Buffalo, then six games the following year punching a ticket to a bowl game for the first time since 2008. Then last year, KU tallied nine wins and a bowl win after outlasting UNLV in an entertaining 49-36 thriller. After toppling a 6-game win total a season ago, linemakers have boosted the number of beat up to 8 with the College Football betting market appearing bullish due to the -134 juice attached the high side of the impost. Being an alum of the University, pinch me if the football team logs successive nine win campaigns – I must be dreaming!
College Football Season Wins Odds
Kansas Jayhawks 2024-25 Regular Season Win Total Odds
Kansas Over 8 Wins -134
Kansas Under 8 Wins +114
A Case for the Over: With seven starters returning on offense, the Jayhawks look primed to build upon last season’s impressive performance. Jason Bean admirably filled in for the injured Jalon Daniels, but KU’s electric quarterback is now said to be fully recovered from the back injury that sidelined him for much of last year. Despite playing in only three games, Daniels threw for 705 yards and a 5:1 TD/INT ratio while completing nearly 75 percent of his passes. He gets the benefit of having an exceptional receiving corps at his disposal, with Lawrence Arnold, Quentin Skinner, and Luke Grimm forming arguably the best trio in the conference. Adding to the lethal attack is RB Devin Neal, who racked up nearly 1,500 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns in his junior campaign. His backup, Daniel Hishaw Jr., also proved capable, turning 121 carries into 628 yards, 8 touchdowns, and a 5.2 yards-per-carry average. Provided the new faces along the offensive line gel quickly, Kansas could improve on last year’s stats, which saw the unit average 433.9 yards (No. 28) and 33.6 points per game (No. 24). If Daniels can stay injury-free, the 2024 Kansas Jayhawks’ offense could go down in history as the program’s best to ever take the field.
A Case for the Under: Largely due to an excellent secondary anchored by the rock-solid cornerback tandem of Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson, the Jayhawks' pass defense proved to be the saving grace of the unit, allowing fewer than 211 yards per game (No. 39). The duo also combined for seven interceptions, helping lead Kansas to the nation’s No. 42 ranked turnover defense. However, this is where the good news ends. The run defense was ripped for 167.1 yards per game (No. 98) at 4.6 yards per carry (No. 87), and the execution in the red zone was nothing short of atrocious. Believe it or not, KU’s opponents scored on all but one of their 50 red zone trips, with 70 percent of those scores of those scores of the touchdown variety. With only six defensive starters returning in 2024, it remains uncertain if this will be beneficial or detrimental. Regardless, significant improvement must be attained within red zone defense. If not, the burden will fall squarely on the offense to keep the team in championship contention and aim to cash in on the over of its set season win total odds a fourth straight time.
2024-25 Kansas Jayhawks Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT |
| Aug 29 | vs. Lindenwood |
| Sep 7 | at Illinois |
| Sep 13 | vs. UNLV |
| Sep 21 | at West Virginia |
| Sep 28 | vs. TCU |
| Oct 5 | at Arizona State |
| Oct 12 | OFF |
| Oct 19 | vs. Houston |
| Oct 26 | at Kansas State |
| Nov 2 | OFF |
| Nov 9 | vs. Iowa State |
| Nov 16 | at BYU |
| Nov 23 | vs. Colorado |
| Nov 30 | at Baylor |
With a plethora of seniors on the roster, the Jayhawks are one of the Big 12’s most experienced teams. Year four under Lance Leipold is filled with high expectations. However, Kansas will face a unique challenge this season, as renovations to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium mean there will be no home games on campus. This could disrupt the team’s rhythm each week, but it shouldn’t be used as an excuse. The program has made significant progress in a short time, and that momentum shouldn’t be hindered. Despite having to play six road games and hosting games at Arrowhead and Children’s Mercy Park, I believe the Jayhawks will rise to the occasion. The 12-game schedule doesn’t present a clear-cut defeat, and the team avoids facing Utah, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and UCF until the title game, if they qualify. I might be viewing things through crimson and red glasses, but as a die-hard Jayhawk, I’m optimistic about the season. Rock Chalk!
College Football Win Total Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks Over 8 Wins
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
Check out the latest odds at BookMaker
