photo by: AP Photo/Colin E. Braley

Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) attempts to get past Kansas offensive lineman Ar'maj Reed-Adams, right, during an NCAA football game on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Lawrence.

Kansas offensive lineman Ar’maj Reed-Adams, a starter at guard and tackle this season for the Jayhawks, announced Sunday evening that he will transfer away from KU.

“This was a tough choice for me, as I’ve had some incredible experiences here and have met so many amazing people and teammates,” he wrote in a social media post. “Thank you to my team for your unwavering support and passion … I am truly grateful for every practice, every game, and every moment we’ve shared together.”

He also thanked KU supporters for “being the best fans in the world.”

“I will always be grateful for my time as a Jayhawk, and I will continue to represent the University of Kansas with pride,” he wrote.

Reed-Adams, who first arrived in Lawrence in 2020, was listed as a redshirt sophomore this season and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

After playing in 13 games with zero starts for KU in 2022, the native of DeSoto, Texas, became a regular starter at guard beginning with the second game of the 2023 season against Illinois, then slid over to right tackle in November and for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl due to an injury to Bryce Cabeldue.

He played 605 snaps in all with an offensive grade of 63.1 as evaluated by Pro Football Focus, including one memorable rep against Texas Tech lined up as a slot wide receiver — on a play he partially designed during camp — in which he went in motion and laid out a Red Raider linebacker with a high-intensity block.

Reed-Adams was in line to return as a starter next season. With the graduation of center Mike Novitsky, Reed-Adams and Kobe Baynes could have started at guard with Michael Ford Jr. moving in to center. Instead, KU may choose to more aggressively pursue an interior lineman in the transfer portal.

Reed-Adams is arguably the Jayhawks’ most significant offseason departure, and becomes the first player to leave following last week’s bowl game. He is also the first starter to officially announce his intent to transfer, although defensive tackle Gage Keys, who has since moved to Auburn, may have been in line for a starting role next year.

Other scholarship players transferring include tight end Will Huggins and wide receiver Tanaka Scott; so far KU has signed tight end DeShawn Hanika and earned commitments from defensive end Dylan Wudke and safety Devin Dye. Defensive end Austin Booker also opted out of the Jayhawks’ bowl game, presumably to go to the NFL, but could still choose to transfer to another school.