60 days until Kansas football

Editor's Note: Today is the last day for the SI FanNation Network crew. Unfortunately, our vision for the site no longer aligns with the direction Sports Illustrated management would like for the site. The entire Blue Wings Rising crew will be transitioning to executive management. All Jayhawks It will be broadcast on the Athlon Sports Network from July 1st, where the countdown will continue.

Just like last year, on Sunday as we countdown to the return of Kansas football, we'll be taking a closer look at one of the 10 key position groups. Each week, we'll highlight a key player to watch and give you an idea of ​​what to expect from each position this year. This week, we continue our series on the offense. Another position that fans aren't too worried about this season is wide receiver. In fact, the situation is very similar to last season.

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Quarterback
Running back

2023 incoming production

The Jayhawks entered last year's season not knowing who the team's “number one receiver” was, or even who was on the roster. Lawrence Arnold seemed like the most likely candidate, but the passing attack the year before had spread the ball around so well that it was hard to imagine any one receiver standing out. However, early this year, Arnold was joined by Luke Grimm and Quentin Skinner, forming the nucleus of a wide receiver group that went on to perform very well.

Despite the quarterback change, the receivers continued to have a great season as a group, with multiple receivers going for 50+ yards in almost every game. There were also plenty of big plays, with six players having 49+ receptions on the season. The season ended on a strong note for the position as well, with Arnold and Grimm putting together a memorable performance against UNLV, combining for 292 yards and six touchdowns on just 10 receptions.

The Jayhawks have a lot of players to please this season. All five seniors will see significant minutes and could be a big part of the offensive scheme. And that doesn't include tight ends and running backs who could easily take receiving opportunities away from their positions. Kansas has never had a problem juggling so many options and keeping people involved before. But with so few opportunities given to individual players, it's tough to get players into a rhythm.

The big-play potential of this group means the wide receivers can consistently change the complexion of a game with one snap. Skinner, Arnold and Grimm are all back and ready to put together big games, and Trevor Wilson and Doug Emilian also took big steps over the offseason.

There are still a few freshmen and sophomores waiting for their chance, and Keaton Kubecka had some memorable plays last year, but he won't be the only one to step up.

While there's no question about who the top two players on this season's roster will be, there is a question about who will fill the No. 3 role, but who fills that role likely won't have a huge impact on the season as a whole, so that may be more of a theoretical question at this point.

WR1: Lawrence Arnold/Trevor Wilson

Arnold is almost certain to take the top spot, as he was the Jayhawks' most productive and consistent receiver last year. His combination of field vision and quick steps allows him to create opportunities on nearly every play. That threat also helps him in the run game, where he can use his footwork to get into good position to close down defenders on outside runs.

Wilson started off slow last year but thrived when he played time, has all the tools to be successful and will undoubtedly see significant minutes, and his skill set is closest to Arnold's, which is why he slots in as the backup here.

WR2: Quentin Skinner/Doug Emilian

Skinner is the fastest player in the receiver room and is well-suited to make big plays one after the other, and he had a breakout season last year, building on his late-season form and using his speed to consistently evade coverage.

Emilian had high expectations last season but ultimately didn't pan out. He's also a fast, well-handled receiver and has improved over the spring, which should put him in line for an expanded role this year.

WR3/Slot: Luke Grimm/Keaton Kubecka

Grimm seems to have a special rapport with Jarron Daniels and has always been a great slot/possession receiver for this team, he continues to impress and has a chance to be their most productive receiver this year.

Kubecka was impressive in the Spring Showcase, and while I can see him on the field, it will likely be in a very limited role, he has the potential to really make an impact this year and give him an edge in the competition next year.

Kansas has 12 players on the wide receiver roster this year, but the proven pool is not very deep. Many of these players will likely play special teams, but there is a huge variance in pool size and speed potential, so it's hard to predict who will actually be needed and who will thrive. But most importantly, don't expect much from outside of the group above.

The wide receivers will again be coached by Terrance Samuel, who joined the staff last year. Prior to coming to Lawrence, Samuel spent 24 years coaching at a variety of programs, including Syracuse, Michigan State, University of Nebraska-Las Vegas, Arizona and Central Michigan. He previously worked with Leipold at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

This group has great options at two depths and a history of leading teams to success without any standout individual players, so there's no need to worry too much, but it's fair to say these three starters could easily play as WR2s for many other teams in the conference. The chemistry with this group is a real asset.