photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall throws during KU Football's spring practice at Lawrence High School on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Lawrence.

The Kansas training camp battle at quarterback has ended with redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall on top, a KU spokesperson confirmed to the Journal-World.

ESPN first reported the news. Marshall beat out former walk-on and fourth-year Jayhawk Cole Ballard for the starting gig, along with incoming transfer Chase Jenkins, who came to KU after playing three years at Rice.

Ballard and Marshall both saw time on the field in 2025 in relief duty for former longtime starting quarterback Jalon Daniels, with Ballard completing 10 of 22 passes for 108 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Marshall only threw three passes — he completed them all for 28 yards — but was a dynamic weapon as a runner with 15 carries for 160 yards, including a 43-yard run against Oklahoma State.

Marshall was a three-star prospect in 2024 high school class by the main recruiting services ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals due to his dual-threat ability. He committed to Kansas with offers to several Power Four programs like Michigan, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Ballard had been named a team captain on Wednesday night, along with left tackle Calvin Clements, defensive tackle Blake Herold, linebacker Trey Lathan and long snapper Rino Monteforte.

Marshall and the Jayhawks will start the season on Friday, Sept. 4 at home against Long Island University.