Kansas Nation

Jayhawks Take Down Fresno State on Picture-Perfect Opening Night, 31-7

Saturday was an incredible night to be a Jayhawk. A special scene and simply historic as Kansas Football unveiled the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on a beautiful night in Lawrence, kicking off what could be a special 2025 season. In a near-perfect outing, KU disposed of the visiting Fresno State Bulldogs, 31-7.

So many people should be beaming with pride about the state-of-the-art venue, starting of course with David Booth, whose generosity has gone beyond words, and Travis Goff – the man who promised and delivered on a venue as good as any. Hundreds of architects, engineers, donors and support staff who played vital roles in providing KU fans a special place to call home should be incredibly proud as well.

KU players and coaches were understandably been asked about the stadium throughout the offseason, but the chatter shortly before kickoff centered around the importance of winning and keeping this program on the exceptional ascent that it’s been on. Whatever worries there may have been about KU being too amped up on an emotional evening dissipated quickly, as 6th-year Jayhawk quarterback Jalon Daniels led his team to a comfortable victory over an out-manned Fresno State team. Daniels, a man we truly believe can be in the Heisman conversation, looked crisp as ever. He went 18 for 20 through the air (including one incompletion caused by a drop) for 176 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. JD tacked on 47 yards rushing on eight carries. KU got two receiving touchdowns from newcomer Cam Pickett, who matched his TD total from his 2024 season at Ball State. First-year Jayhawk Leshon Morrison found paydirt as well.

It was a debut of sorts for both coordinators, with Offensive Coordinator Jim Zebrowski guiding KU’s offense to 31 points that admittedly would’ve been more if needed, and defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald’s group pitching a shutout after a Bulldogs opening drive score. KU ended up +3 in the turnover battle, a feat not accomplished in a season-opener since 2016. Safeties Devin Dye and newcomer Lyrik Rawls both tallied interceptions, while linebacker Bangally Kamara forced a fumble.

It couldn’t have been drawn up better for KU to break in the new Booth, and now a short week awaits as Kansas, with that sparkling 1-0 record, welcomes FCS opponent Wagner on Friday. Kickoff against the Seahawks in Week 1 is at 6:30.

Sean Kellerman