After rewriting KU history, Jalon Daniels unleashes his dual-threat talent in the NFL, aiming to prove his remarkable collegiate success translates to the pro level.
Former Kansas QB Jalon Daniels Earns NFL Shot After Historic KU Career
Jalon Daniels is getting his shot at the next level. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after agreeing to a deal that includes a $247,000 guaranteed base salary and a $25,000 signing bonus, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. Despite going undrafted, Daniels drew interest throughout the pre-draft process and is coming off a strong 2025 campaign in which he threw for 2,531 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 404 rushing yards and four scores.
After a long and impactful run with Kansas Jayhawks football, Daniels has landed an NFL opportunity as a developmental quarterback with upside.
He leaves KU as one of the most productive QBs in program history with nearly 10,000 passing yards, 67 touchdowns, plus over 1,400 rushing yards and 23 scores on the ground.
His final season had ups and downs, but context matters. Injuries and turnover around him made things tougher, yet he still produced and showed flashes. Now he gets a fresh start.
Daniels brings mobility, arm talent, and experience. The path will not be easy, but the opportunity is there. He earned this shot, and his legacy at Kansas is already set.
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Seahawks Select Kansas WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr. in Sixth Round of 2026 NFL Draft
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks added speed and versatility to their roster Saturday, selecting Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. with the No. 199 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Henderson becomes the first Jayhawk wide receiver drafted since 2010, when Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe were selected.
It also marks the second straight year Seattle has taken a Kansas player in the sixth round after selecting offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue in 2025.
A former running back recruit at Alabama, Henderson transitioned to wide receiver but saw limited action during his three seasons with the Crimson Tide. His career took off after transferring to Kansas, where he became a key weapon for quarterback Jalon Daniels in 2025.
Henderson finished his lone season in Lawrence with 45 receptions for 766 yards and five touchdowns, including a standout 214-yard performance against Cincinnati. While defenses began to key in on him late in the year, his explosiveness remained evident.
He made just as big of an impact on special teams, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors as a returner. Henderson averaged 25.3 yards per kick return and took one 94 yards to the house against West Virginia.
At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, the Hartford, Alabama native showcased his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.44-second 40-yard dash.
Now, Henderson heads to Seattle as a dynamic playmaker with the ability to contribute both at receiver and in the return game.