The McAlary Effect
The McAlary Effect
vs Texas Tech Saturday December 9, 2028
The McAlary Effect
Kansas adds three top 500 recruits on early signing day
Caleb Devan – RE – 5★ – Upper Marlboro, MD (High School)
Kansas has landed one of the most disruptive defensive line prospects in the country with the signing of Caleb Devan, a towering edge rusher who brings elite size and a relentless motor to the Jayhawks’ front. At 6’6” and nearly 270 pounds, Devan blends power, explosiveness, and football IQ in a way that makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles.
Devan is known for his ability to collapse the pocket with both speed and technique, and his physicality at the point of attack sets the tone for any defense he’s part of. Mentally, he’s a sharp, disciplined player who brings leadership traits and a competitive edge. His development ceiling is sky-high, and Kansas coaches believe he can be an immediate contributor in their aggressive defensive scheme.
Head coach Jordan McAlary praised Devan’s mindset and upside: “Caleb is the kind of player who changes the identity of your defense. He’s got the tools, the motor, and the mentality to be special in this league.”
Ezekiel Moffitt – FS – 3★ – Jacksonville, FL (High School)
Kansas has added depth and toughness to its secondary with the signing of Ezekiel Moffitt, a physical free safety out of Florida known for his run-stopping mentality and aggressive approach to contact. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 219 pounds, Moffitt brings the frame and fearlessness of a hybrid linebacker-safety, making him a natural fit in Kansas' downhill defensive system.
Though unscouted at the time of signing, Moffitt’s tape shows a player who thrives in the box and doesn't shy away from collisions. He projects as a strong special teams contributor early in his career with the upside to grow into a rotational safety as he adapts to the college game.
Kansas head coach Jordan McAlary noted, “Zeke’s a hitter—we love his energy and the edge he plays with. He’s going to bring some fire to our locker room, and we’re excited to see how he develops in our program.”
Scott Powell – QB – 3★ – Zephyrhills, FL (High School)
Kansas has added dynamic depth to its quarterback room with the signing of Scott Powell, a mobile signal-caller from Florida who brings dual-threat capability and natural leadership to the position. At 6’2”, 191 pounds, Powell fits the mold of a modern scrambler—comfortable creating plays with his legs while showing flashes of poise and accuracy in the pocket.
While he enters the program as an unscouted prospect, Powell’s high school career was marked by big-play ability and resilience in high-pressure moments. His upside lies in his mobility, confidence, and willingness to extend plays, making him a developmental project with considerable promise in Kansas’ offensive system.
“Scott’s got that spark you look for,” said head coach Jordan McAlary. “He’s a competitor, and he fits our culture perfectly. With time and development, we think he can be a real asset to our quarterback room.”
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Kansas missed out on one of the nation's top linebackers in Edward Hamm, a five-star prospect from Washington, D.C., who ultimately signed with Alabama. Hamm, a 6'0", 233-pound run stopper, was a top priority for several Power Five programs thanks to his elite closing speed, violent tackling style, and natural instincts in the middle of the field. Despite heavy interest from Kansas and a late push from the Jayhawks’ staff, Hamm opted for the Crimson Tide, citing development and championship pedigree as major factors in his decision.
Losing out on Hamm is a blow to Kansas’ linebacker haul, especially with several veteran starters set to graduate, but head coach Jordan McAlary and his staff remain confident in the defensive talent already signed and still on their board.
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Kansas’ 2029 recruiting class continues to impress, currently ranked No. 8 in the nation with 18 total signees. The Jayhawks have assembled one of the most balanced and talented hauls in program history, featuring 3 five-star standouts, 10 four-star prospects, and 5 highly regarded three-star players. Head coach Jordan McAlary and his staff have emphasized depth, physicality, and long-term development, and the results reflect a class that not only addresses key positional needs but also lays the foundation for sustained success at the national level.
The McAlary Effect
NCAA Update
College Football Playoff Reveal
The McAlary Effect
The accolades are pouring in for the Kansas Jayhawks after a sensational regular season, as several of the program’s top contributors were honored with some of college football’s most prestigious awards.
Quarterback Isaiah Marshall capped off a legendary senior campaign by taking home the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in Kansas history to win the award. Marshall also earned Maxwell Award (Player of the Year) honors, the Davey O'Brien Award for Best Quarterback, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, solidifying his place among the most decorated signal callers in program and national history. His dual-threat ability and leadership guided the Jayhawks to an unbeaten regular season and Big 12 title.
On the other side of the ball, defensive end Greydon Grimes was a force all season long and was recognized accordingly. Grimes claimed the Chuck Bednarik Award for Best Defensive Player, the Rotary Lombardi Award, and the Ted Hendricks Award for Best Defensive End, becoming the most decorated defensive player in school history. Grimes anchored a physical and disruptive Kansas front that consistently overwhelmed opposing offenses.
Running back Harry Stewart III added to the trophy haul by winning the Doak Walker Award for Best Running Back. A model of consistency and explosiveness, Stewart was a catalyst in the Jayhawks’ balanced offensive attack, routinely delivering in key moments and piling up yardage against some of the nation’s best defenses.
Rounding out the honors was offensive coordinator Michael Porter Sr., who earned the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach. Under Porter’s guidance, Kansas finished among the national leaders in scoring, total offense, and efficiency, with a dynamic scheme that kept opponents guessing all season.
With the College Football Playoff looming, Kansas enters the postseason not only undefeated, but with the nation’s most celebrated roster. For head coach Jordan McAlary, the awards are a testament to a program that has built something special. “These guys are everything we believe in as a team—tough, unselfish, and relentless,” McAlary said. “It’s been an unforgettable ride, and we’re not done yet.”