Can Isaiah Marshall Replace Jalon Daniels For Kansas Football?

With the Jayhawks' ongoing struggles, it's becoming increasingly uncertain whether they can continue to rely on Jalon Daniels as their starting quarterback.

Kansas freshman quarterback Isaiah Marshall (8) takes off on a play during Friday's Spring Preview at Rock Chalk Park. / © Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

As the Kansas football program continues to face challenges at the quarterback position, attention is increasingly focused on Isaiah Marshall, a highly regarded former three-star prospect from Southfield A&T High School in Michigan.

With Jalon Daniels struggling with injuries and inconsistency, many are wondering if Marshall could be the solution Kansas needs.

Marshall was rated as the No. 14 prospect in Michigan and the No. 14 dual-threat quarterback nationally. As a senior, he led Southfield A&T to its first-ever state championship. Over the course of the season, he amassed impressive stats: 3,114 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, alongside 1,507 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

In the state championship game, Marshall completed 20 of 31 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating poise under pressure as he delivered an 80-yard touchdown drive to seal the victory.

However, should he be thrust into action too soon, it could mean sacrificing a year of eligibility, a decision that comes with considerable weight. The benefits of Marshall's dynamic play could outweigh the drawbacks of burning his redshirt, especially if the Jayhawks continue to falter with Daniels under center.

On the other hand, Cole Ballard, also a backup quarterback, has the experience that could be vital in a pinch. Yet, he hasn’t had the opportunity to prove himself consistently either. With both Daniels’ struggles and the possibility of Ballard stepping in, the situation remains precarious.

Kansas can't afford to continue down the same path if Daniels’ inefficiencies persist. The longer the coaching staff hesitates, the more they risk losing valuable game time that could be used to develop either Marshall or Ballard into a reliable starter.

Ultimately, it may come down to a crucial decision: do they continue to support Daniels in hopes of regaining form, or do they pivot to one of the promising backups who could inject new life into the offense?

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