CFB Futures – 2024 Kansas Jayhawks Win Total Odds

It had been 14 years between winning seasons for the Kansas Jayhawks so let the fans enjoy the moment. The nine overall victories a season ago was also the most since the program went 12-1 during the 2007 campaign. The path to last season’s success was paved when Lance Leipold was hired in 2021. The Jayhawks doubled their win total that season, which wasn’t hard to do since they went winless in the last year of the Les Miles disaster. In 2022 they won six games and played in a bowl for the first time since 2008. The upward trajectory can continue behind an entertaining offense led by Jalon Daniels, who returns after missing time due to injury last season. And oddsmakers have taken notice with a win total of 8.5 at BetMGM. That’s significant since KU has won nine regular season games just once in the last quarter century.

Regular Season Wins for the Kansas Jayhawks

Over 8.5 ( +130 )

Under 8.5 ( -155 )

Just how bad have the Jayhawks been over the years? Consider the 2007 team that was in contention for a national title and the surprise 1995 squad that won 10 games. Also, back in 1905 there was another 10-win campaign. That’s it, the only teams in the school’s 123-year history to have more wins than what KU compiled last year. When guys like Charlie Weiss and Les Miles failed, Leipold was hired four years ago after winning more than 70 percent of his games in his last three years at the University of Buffalo and program responded.

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Roster

Winning football games at Kansas isn’t normal so the public might be weary. But oddsmakers usually know what they’re doing so a win total of 8.5 says something about where the program is headed. Most folks outside of Lawrence, and probably some in the city limits, don’t pay a lot of attention to the team. KU is a hoops powerhouse so the basketball team gets most of the recognition. And for those not paying attention it’s been a constant build to this stage under Leipold. In six seasons from 2015 to 2020 the Jayhawks won a total of nine games. They need to win that many in 2024 to cash the OVER on this CFB futures bet.

Everything starts with the offense and having Jalon Daniels back is a huge step. An even bigger hurdle is having him play an entire season. In 2022 the Jayhawks won their first five games before Daniels injured his shoulder. He returned later capping the season by throwing for 544 yards and five touchdowns in a 55-53 overtime loss to Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl. And he appeared in only three games last season but again made an impression with 705 passing yards and five scores. KU scored more than 30 points and won every game. 

The team didn’t completely fall apart without Daniels. They finished the season ranked inside the top 25 nationally in scoring and total offense, so there’s hope just in case of worst case scenario. It’s also a veteran squad with upwards of 30 seniors. While the offense caters to its dynamic quarterback he’s not the only playmaker. Leading rusher David Neal returns after going for 1,280 yards and 16 TDs. Daniel Hinshaw is a great second option. There is also an abundance of quality receivers with the top four pass catchers from 2023 fighting over receptions.

Defense hasn’t been a strong suit for Kansas over the years but they did improve in numerous statistical categories last season. If the unit plays near its 2023 averages of 378 yards and 26.5 points the Jayhawks could be looking at a shot to play in the Big 12 Championship game. However, depth is an issue and there are no ‘true’ home games this season with renovations ongoing to the campus football complex.

Schedule

If the Jayhawks are going to contend for a Big 12 title this is the year. However, with their home stadium being renovated they don’t get a true home game. The schedule works out skipping Utah, Arizona and Oklahoma State, three of the preseason favorites. Texas Tech and UCF could compete and they’re off also. And, of course, the departure of Texas and Oklahoma opens up a few slots. The non-conference matchup with Illinois, the Big 12 opener against WVU and the K-State game are all potential pitfalls and all are on the road.

Prediction

It’s good to see the program that’s been dormant for so many years finally pick up some steam. If Daniels can stay healthy for the season the offense will run around opponents making up for any deficiencies on the defensive side. There’s a good chance that group holds up its end of the deal, though, behind a talented secondary. It’s just KU’s luck that at a time the program is ready to explode it has to travel every week. I can picture a scenario where the Jayhawks win 10 games but I also see where they can’t. And with Daniels’ history I have to bank on the latter.

Check out the latest college football odds at BetMGM