Jalon Daniels Expected to Start Tonight

Kansas fans got some great news as they prepare to watch their Jayhawks in action tonight.

Last week, there was some uncertainty surrounding the status of Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Jalon Daniels. And after he was announced in the stadium as the starter but didn't play a down, fans were understandably worried about his status for the next few weeks.

Well they don't need to wonder any more, as Daniels is reportedly the starter for the Kansas Jayhawks tonight as they take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. 

First, the news broke yesterday (via ESPN) that he was expected to play in the game, although there was no indication if he would actually start the game.

But Bryson Stricker was confident that the starting decision has already been made:

Jalon Daniels will start at QB for Kansas tomorrow barring a MASSIVE material change.

There is absolutely no discussion internally about who is going to start per a source with knowledge of the situation.

The prodigal son returns. pic.twitter.com/gDWUOorVRl

— Bryson Stricker (@BryBryStrick) September 7, 2023

Blue Wings Rising has confirmed Stricker's report that Daniels will be the starter barring an unexpected setback during warmups tonight.

So what does this mean for Kansas?

• I stand by my earlier comments that the Jayhawks will be ok whether Daniels plays in this game or not. But at the very least, these reports give Illinois something else to worry about.
• Even if Daniels doesn't start, his availability allows Kansas to open up the playbook even more. Dual-QB looks, multiple reverse passes, etc are all things that are in his repertoire that aren't quiet there for Bean.
• This still doesn't mean that Daniels is back to full strength. Back strains can take a long time to fully recover from, but the important thing is keeping the pain in check enough to allow him to perform as close to 100% as possible.
• Finally, a start for Daniels doesn't mean that he will play the entire game. Without the ability to test out the back last week, don't be surprised if he has to come out for a drive or two at a time or leaves the game before it is over. Especially if there is a big lead late.

Either way, it's good to hear that Jalon Daniels will be back on the field. And when he first takes the field, expect that to juice up the crowd even more.