Kansas heads into 2026 with a hungry roster and growing confidence after a .500 season that laid the groundwork for a leap forward. Head coach Dylan Terry, now in his second year, describes this as an excited, driven group that has stacked a strong offseason and wants to prove it can win consistently on Friday nights. The Comets will rely on a solid mix of experienced returners and emerging underclassmen who are just beginning to build a varsity résumé. With improved depth across the board and a clear identity on both sides of the ball, Kansas believes it is ready to compete week in and week out in a tough district.
Offensively, Kansas returns seven starters and will again run a multiple pro-style system that leans on different personnel groupings and formations to stay unpredictable. The goal is to be as physical and efficient as possible in both the run and pass game, starting with a sturdy offensive front. Sophomore quarterback Jaxon Haynes (5-10, 165) a young leader who already commands the huddle with maturity, dependability and work ethic beyond his years. Sophomore tight end/defensive end Rebel Hays (6-3, 175) started in all three phases as a freshman, proving he can block, catch and run on offense while leading the team in tackles early at outside linebacker before selflessly moving to defensive end when the team needed him there. Senior receiver/defensive back Hector Ortiz (5-9, 150) is the Top 100 nominee and an explosive centerpiece who led the team in receptions last season and will see his role expanded as coaches design new ways to get him touches in space. Junior lineman Joe Starr (5-11, 215) and sophomore lineman Biltan Perdue (5-9, 260) anchor a physical line that will be crucial to controlling the tempo.
Defensively, the Comets also bring back seven starters and will base out of a 4-3 look that emphasizes stopping the run while staying fundamentally and technically sound in coverage to limit explosives. Cannon and Bendabout give Kansas real size inside, while Phifer and senior LB/RB Zach Glass (6-0, 190) provide toughness and range from the second level. Ortiz remains a key piece in the secondary after excelling at corner, and the staff is considering moving him to safety to maximize his physicality and instincts. Senior Aiden Graham (5-11, 170) adds more versatility on the back end, and junior lineman/tight end Barrick Akins (6-3, 170) rounds out a front capable of creating pressure from multiple spots.
9-4 – vs. Colcord
9-11 – at Tonkawa
9-18 – vs. Hartshorne
9-25 – at Salina
10-2 – vs. Wyandotte
10-9 – at Adair
10-16 – vs. Chouteau
10-23 – vs. KIPP
10-30 – at Chelsea
11-6 – at Keys
