(BCSNN) — The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off their 134th football season Saturday evening against Fresno State in a nationally televised Week 0 matchup that marks the grand reopening of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The 5:30 p.m. CT kickoff on FOX will be the first game played in the newly renovated venue, which underwent a $450 million transformation as part of the university’s Gateway District project.
The stadium’s upgrades include a rebuilt west and north seating bowl, expanded concourses, improved accessibility, and new premium seating options. Head coach Lance Leipold called the atmosphere surrounding the opener “electric” and likened the buildup to a homecoming game. “We’re excited to be back in Lawrence,” Leipold said. “But our focus is on winning the football game.”
Kansas enters the 2025 campaign looking to rebound from a 5–7 season that began with promise but ended without a bowl berth. The Jayhawks return several key contributors, including sixth-year quarterback Jalon Daniels, who passed for 2,454 yards and 14 touchdowns last season while adding six scores on the ground. Daniels, who missed significant time in 2023 due to injury, is fully healthy and expected to lead a new-look offense under coordinator Jim Zebrowski.
Running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. steps into a featured role following the departure of Devin Neal to the NFL. Hishaw rushed for 376 yards and three touchdowns last season in a complementary role and has drawn praise for his physicality and pass protection. “He’s got a great combination of speed and power,” Leipold said. “We’re confident in him.”
Anchoring the offensive line is center Bryce Foster, a transfer from Texas A&M who started all 12 games in 2024 and earned All-Big 12 honorable mention. Foster’s leadership and experience will be critical for a unit breaking in several new starters. On defense, the Jayhawks are led by edge rusher Dean Miller, who recorded 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season and was named a team captain alongside Daniels and Foster.
Fresno State, coming off a 6–7 season, will debut senior quarterback E.J. Warner, the son of Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. Warner transferred from Rice and won a three-way competition in camp. Known for his arm talent and experience, Warner has thrown for over 8,800 yards and 58 touchdowns in his college career but has also struggled with turnovers, leading the AAC in interceptions each of the past three seasons.
Kansas defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald emphasized the importance of pressuring Warner and forcing mistakes. “He’s a smart player, but we have to make him uncomfortable,” McDonald said. “Turnovers will be key.” The Jayhawks will also debut several transfer additions on defense, including linebacker Bangally Kamara from South Carolina and cornerback DJ Graham II from Utah State.
Saturday’s contest marks the first-ever meeting between Kansas and Fresno State and the earliest season opener in program history. With a sold-out crowd expected and momentum building around the program’s future, the Jayhawks hope to start the season with a statement win in front of their home fans. “It’s a new chapter,” Daniels said. “We’re ready to turn the page.”
