photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) and Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) congratulate each other following their win over Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) breathes a sigh of relief after the Jayhawks come away with a 34-23 win despite a late surge by Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas wide receiver Lawrence Arnold (2) and the Jayhawks celebrate their 34-23 win over Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas linebacker JB Brown (28) celebrates after dropping Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) to the turf on the final set of downs for the Fighting Illini on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold calls a timeout with minutes remaining in the game on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. (20) breaks away from Illinois defensive back Miles Scott (10) and Illinois linebacker Seth Coleman (49) on a run for a first down during the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas wide receiver Quentin Skinner (0) cuts through several Illinois defenders after a catch during the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold has words for two officials after a targeting call against the Jayhawks during the third quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) celebrates with Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson (3) after Dotson’s interception during the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. At left is Kansas safety O.J. Burroughs (5). Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) and Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) congratulate each other following their win over Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) celebrates following the Jayhawks’ win over Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Kansas defeated Illinois, 34-23.

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) smiles as he prepares for kickoff against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas’ Jason Bean (9) celebrates a touchdown with Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) during the second quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas safety Marvin Grant (4) trudges into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas tight end Mason Fairchild (89) catches a pass before Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott (14) and Illinois linebacker Dylan Rosiek (28) during the second quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) avoids a tackle from Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton (4) during the second quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas fans in the student section go wild after a stop by the Jayhawks during the second quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

The Kansas defense signals a third down stop during the second quarter against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold walks the sidelines during the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) shoves Illinois defensive back Miles Scott (10) to the ground on a run during the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas linebacker JB Brown (28) and Kansas defensive end Patrick Joyner Jr. (36) hammer Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) to the turf after a stop during the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium.

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) celebrates a touchdown with Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) during the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas wide receiver Luke Grimm (11) has his helmet ripped off for an Illinois penalty to help set up a Kansas touchdown during the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) eyes a defenders as he cuts up the field during the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) heaves a deep pass under the protection of the offensive line during the first quarter against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas wide receiver Lawrence Arnold (2) pulls in a catch amidst several Illinois defenders during the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold waits to lead the players onto the field prior to kickoff against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug

A packed Memorial Stadium watches late during the second quarter against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

Kansas players get warmed up prior to kickoff against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Nick Krug