Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels left the Jayhawks’ Week 13 game against Iowa State with an apparent injury. What’s the latest on his status? Here’s what we know about Daniels and his outlook moving forward.
Jalon Daniels Injury Update: Kansas Star Leaves Game in Third Quarter
Daniels went down with an injury after a carry in the third quarter of the Jayhawks’ Week 13 clash against the Iowa State Cyclones. Sophomore backup Cole Ballard entered the game in relief of Daniels and immediately threw a 31-yard touchdown.
Daniels walked off the field on his own power, but left the game grabbing his shoulder and showing visible discomfort. He did not enter the medical tent, but received trainer attention on the sidelines.
Kansas QB Jalon Daniels goes down after a keeper play goes for 7 yards. On the next play, backup Cole Ballard enters the game and lobs a pass to Boden Groen for a 21-yard TD. Jayhawks staying in it, but ISU still leads 24-14. 7:35 3Q
— Eugene Rapay (@erapay5) November 22, 2025
At the time of Daniels’ injury, the Jayhawks were down 7-24 to the 6-4 Cyclones.
Iowa State is already eligible for a bowl game, but Lance Leipold’s Kansas squad sits at 5-5, and risks missing bowl season entirely if they leave this week with a loss, and are forced to take on Utah in the season finale.
For Daniels, it’s unclear if he’ll return in this game or beyond. The initial outlook for his injury wasn’t severe, but Kansas could ultimately decide to leave him out and let him get fresh ahead of a pivotal clash against Utah.
If this injury proves to be more serious, it could spell the end of Daniels’ career in Lawrence: A career that has been both productive and tumultuous at times.
Daniels will leave Lawrence second-place in all-time passing yards and passing touchdowns at the school, with a combined record of 18-23. In 2022, Daniels helped the Jayhawks reach their first bowl game since 2008, and was a catalyst alongside Leipold in revitalizing the program.
At his best, Daniels was a star for Kansas, but injuries have been a nagging issue all throughout his career. He missed part of the 2022 season due to a shoulder injury, and a serious back injury caused him to be sidelined for most of the 2023 campaign.
The hope is that Daniels will return, and will have a chance to close out his Kansas career on a more hopeful note. When an official update is given on his status, this article will be updated accordingly.