Kansas football fans demand backup QB’s job for Jalon Daniels in social media post

To say that Kansas football quarterback Jalon Daniels has not lived up to expectations in 2024 would be an understatement. Frankly, according to statistics, he was one of the worst signal callers in the country. His eight interceptions are the third-highest mark in the country and he has an unsightly completion percentage of 53.1%.

Many factors have played a role in the Jayhawks’ recent struggles with a 1-4 start, but Daniels deserves much of the blame. The same player who was once tipped to be a Heisman Trophy candidate through the first five weeks of the 2022 campaign was historically bad during the same period two years later. Kansas fans are understandably upset about his poor performance, with some even calling for him to be ousted from his starting spot by freshman Isaiah “Zeke” Marshall.

Marshall posted three pictures of himself in uniform before last week’s matchup against TCU. It’s no secret that a lot of people want a change at quarterback, so Jayhawk fans didn’t hold back with his tweet about X.

“How can we get you some snaps?” one person asked.

“Your time should be now,” another fan commented.

“Tell the coach to use you,” another user wrote.

Another commenter quoted head coach Lance Leipold on Twitter as saying, “Let him start with your old OC this Saturday.”

Marshall was highly touted for a reason because he was a high school dropout. He led Southfield A&T to an unlikely upset win over Belleville last year en route to the school’s first state title. It was a 38-game winning streak for the reigning national champions. Marshall passed LSU commit and No. 1 player in the class of 2025, quarterback Bryce Underwood.

While the bushy freshman could see the field at some point this season, the coaching staff likely wants to keep his redshirt. He can play a maximum of four regular season games before exercising his eligibility for one year. If the Jayhawks somehow manage to reach a bowl game, he could participate in the contest without it affecting his redshirt status.

Ultimately, Leipold would have a hard time justifying benching a quarterback who likely makes more than seven figures annually. Marshall isn’t even considered the backup quarterback in Lawrence, as Cole Ballard currently holds that title. However, the season has become a lost cause and it wouldn’t be the worst idea to turn to a new face as the season comes to an end.