WRITER: Benton Smith

Unexpected path still led to Olympics for former KU track star Bryce Hoppel

Bryce Hoppel’s string of successes in the 800 meters over the past couple of years made a trip to the Tokyo Olympics seem inevitable for the former University of Kansas track star. But his path toward qualifying turned more dramatic than Hoppel was counting on when he suffered an injury just a month before the U.S. Olympic Trials. While gearing up in late May to leave for the adidas Boost Boston Games, Hoppel ...

Former Michigan reserve LB Cornell Wheeler transferring to join KU football

A former Michigan reserve linebacker who’s not far removed from receiving a four-star grade as a high school prospect, Cornell Wheeler announced on Monday he’s transferring to the University of Kansas. “Blessed to be a Jayhawk,” Wheeler tweeted. “(Let’s) work.” Wheeler spent just one season with the Wolverines after signing with Michigan in the Class of 2020, when Rivals rated him as a four-star ...

'Back to work': Jalen Wilson announces he'll return to KU basketball for sophomore year

Exactly what the Kansas basketball roster might look like next season became a little more clear on Friday, when Jalen Wilson announced he will return to Lawrence instead of embarking on a professional career this summer. One of three Jayhawks to test the NBA waters this offseason, Wilson became the first to make a decision on what will come next for him, while KU and head coach Bill Self still await ...

Trio of KU football true freshman DBs made most of early enrollment in spring

Throughout a spring practice schedule filled with uncertainty for the Kansas football program, a few of the youngest players on the roster discovered ways to shine through the transition. Before the Jayhawks found their head coach in Lance Leipold, along with some assurances about what lies ahead, the names of three true freshman defensive backs — safeties OJ Burroughs and Jayson Gilliom and cornerback ...

KU football coach Lance Leipold wants Jayhawks to have 'fullest opportunities' in new NIL era

Thursday marked the dawning of a new era for college athletics, with the NCAA clearing the way for athletes to make money off their names, images and likenesses without violating any rules. Exactly how that will impact football players at the University of Kansas remains to be seen. While at a high profile program such as Wisconsin, starting quarterback Graham Mertz had a personal logo ready to be trademarked ...

4-star Class of 2022 big Zuby Ejiofor commits to KU basketball

A high school big man in demand in Big 12 country and beyond, Texas prep Zuby Ejiofor committed to play his college basketball at the University of Kansas. In recent weeks, Ejiofor, rated a four-star prospect in the Class of 2022 by Rivals, visited TCU, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas, as well as KU. But the 6-foot-8 big from Garland, Texas, announced on Thursday night he wants to play for the Jayhawks. “I am ...