While there are many fantastic rivalries in college athletics, none have the historical context of Kansas-Missouri. You don’t have to explain to Dan and me the unmatched bad blood between these two programs and fanbases. Like many Jayhawks out there, the bitter rivalry was a big part of our childhood. On Rock Chalk Sports this week, Dan and I have been breaking down the x’s and o’s on this particular matchup – which in 2025 happens to pit two talented teams, the winner of which I anticipate will crack the Top 25.
This meeting will be the first Kansas-Missouri meeting on the gridiron since 2011, but 121st overall. Kansas trails the all-time series by the slimmest of margins, with the Tigers leading it 56-55-9. It’s Kansas’ first trip to Columbia since 2006, with the Jayhawks last win on enemy turf being in 2004.
Kansas enters Saturday’s battle with a record of 2-0 and an opportunity to pick up a marquee win on the road to springboard itself into conference play. KU was dominant in their first two tilts, coasting past Fresno State 31-7 in Week 0 and easily disposing of Wagner 46-7 in Week 1. Mizzou has one game under their belt, blowing out Central Arkansas 61-6.
As Dan and I have discussed on the show this week, Kansas should have a decisive edge at quarterback, with sixth-year Jayhawk Jalon Daniels spearheading KU’s offense and transfer Beau Pribula leading Mizzou’s. Pribula, however, was a highly-regarded prospect when he originally attended Penn State, and shined in his Tiger debut, going 23 for 28 from the air for 283 yards and two touchdowns, plus 72 rushing yards and two additional rushing touchdowns. I think the biggest key for Kansas defensively in this one will be to keep Pribula in the pocket and limit his ability to scramble. In 2024, albeit with a mostly different roster, Kansas struggled with opposing quarterbacks in the run game, particularly on broken plays. Containing Pribula will be a particular challenge if Kansas is still down linebackers Joe Sipp Jr. and Bangally Kamara, neither of whom are listed on the Jayhawks’ depth chart for this week.
However, Jayhawk fans should feel confident in their edge rushers, both from a talent standpoint and from a depth standpoint, heading into this one. Look for Texas transfer Justice Finkley to make his presence known, as Kansas will need contributions from him as well as fellow position mates Dean Miller, Leroy Harris and Alex Bray. We also like the matchup up front with KU’s plethora of interior defensive linemen against a Mizzou offensive line that can be susceptible. KU’s secondary, littered with young players and newcomers, albeit talented ones, will be tested big time against the playmaking Mizzou receivers. If KU’s front seven can make Pribula uncomfortable, that will make the secondary’s job easier.
Now back to Daniels and the KU offense. JD has thrown for 7 touchdowns in KU’s first two games and has looked as decisive and sharp as ever. KU’s offensive line, who admittedly hasn’t been tested by Power 4 defenses, has been dominant, and we’ve seen flashes of KU’s new group of wide receivers. Cam Pickett has three receiving touchdowns through two games, the first time a KU newcomer has done that since at least 1996, and Emmanuel Henderson showcased his speed and talent against Wagner, hauling in six passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Kansas hasn’t yet fully unleashed their incredibly deep tight end room, but there’s a great chance DeShawn Hanika and/or Carson Bruhn make some big plays on Saturday. Bruhn is a redshirt freshman on a rapid ascent and certainly a candidate for a tight end seam or two – a route Mason Fairchild excelled at during his time at KU.
As I’ll always say, don’t forget about special teams. It’s important that Kansas wins that third element of the game, which begins with ball security. Field position will be vital if and when KU elects to punt, be it starter Finn Lappin or backup Grayden Addison. Kicker Laith “Money” Marjan will likely be asked to convert on important field goal attempts. Marjan is perfect through two games thus far.
What an opportunity this is for Kansas – to pick up a road win against an SEC foe and to start the season 3-0 before heading into their first of three open weeks. A 3-0 record with the initial two Big 12 games taking place at The Booth? Music to our ears. But even more important to many Jayhawks is to do what we do and Beat Mizzou. For old time’s sake. Rock Chalk!
Sean Kellerman