Fresno State travels to Lawrence to take on Kansas in the first big kickoff of the 2025 college football season. The game is set for Saturday, August 23 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, where fans will not only see two programs looking to make a statement but also two quarterbacks with football legacies that run deep in their families.
Quarterbacks in the spotlight
For Fresno State, senior transfer E.J. Warner gets the keys to the offense. The son of Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, E.J. has been battle-tested with stops at Temple and Rice, where he threw for over 50 touchdowns in his college career. His decision-making has been a concern with high interception totals, but new Bulldogs coach Matt Entz has praised his leadership and poise. Fresno State will lean on Warner’s experience and steady arm to bring stability to a program that finished 6-6 a year ago.
Kansas counters with one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country. Jalon Daniels returns for his sixth season in Lawrence after a 2024 campaign where he threw for 2,454 yards and 14 touchdowns. Injuries have slowed him throughout his career, but when healthy, he has been one of the most dynamic dual-threat passers in the Big 12. Daniels’ ability to extend plays with his legs, combined with his chemistry with returning captain Bryce Foster at center, makes the Jayhawks’ offense dangerous. Behind him, Cole Ballard, son of Colts general manager Chris Ballard, has earned the backup role after working his way up from a walk-on spot.
Coaches and key playmakers
Matt Entz takes over at Fresno State after years of success at North Dakota State, and he has already put his stamp on the program by demanding competition at every position. On the other sideline, Lance Leipold continues to build Kansas into a consistent contender in the Big 12. Last season’s 5-7 finish was a disappointment after a promising start, but Leipold has his veteran core back and is excited to showcase the first stage of the $450 million stadium renovation in front of a home crowd.
Kansas will look for production from defensive end Justice Finkley, who anchors the Jayhawks’ pass rush, while Fresno State will count on running back Malik Sherrod to take pressure off Warner and balance the offense.
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What to expect
Both teams have plenty of motivation entering this opener. Fresno State wants to prove Warner can limit mistakes and guide them to the top of the Mountain West. Kansas aims to start fast in a season that could redefine Leipold’s tenure. With storylines on both sidelines and plenty of talent on the field, the season opener in Lawrence has all the makings of an exciting first chapter for 2025.
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