The Jayhawks' win total has been on quite a ride.
It sat at just 1.5 in 2021, climbed all the way to 8.5 by 2024, and now settles at 5.5 for 2026, a number that splits the difference between where this program was and where it's been more recently. After two straight Unders, the market is finally leaning Kansas's way again.
Here's a look at the recent history of Kansas win totals, along with predictions on whether the Jayhawks will surpass or fall short of their 2026 number of 5.5:
Kansas 2026 win total predictions
(Confidence legend: 🟢 = high, 🟡 = medium, ⚪ = low)
| Name | Outlet | Pick | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Powers |  |
UNDER 6.5* | 🟡 |
| Rob Paul | |
UNDER 5.5 | 🟡 |
| Colby Marchio | |
UNDER 5.5 | 🟢 |
*Pick made on alternate win total.
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Covers expert betting predictions
Brad Powers
Kansas loses long-time starting quarterback Jalon Daniels. They only have three Big 12 home games with a trip to London vs Arizona State. They could be underdogs in as many as eight games.
Rob Paul
For the first time since 2019, Jalon Daniels won’t be playing for Kansas. With one of the best players in program history gone, Lance Leipold is in a clear rebuilding season, and it’s unclear who will be under center for him. One of Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall, or Rice transfer Chase Jenkins will replace Daniels as starting QB.
To help whoever’s QB1, Leipold needs transfers Dylan Edwards (Kansas State) and Nik McMillan (Buffalo) to hit the ground running in Lawrence. The defense is in better shape with Leroy Harris III and Trey Lathan back, but overall the Jayhawks need too many transfers to shine from a class ranked outside the top 50 to reach bowl eligibility.
Colby Marchio
Is this the year Kansas gets back into a bowl game after falling short in back to back seasons? Likely not.
The Jayhawks only have three true home games this season, as they "host" Arizona State in London to kick off Big 12 play. On top of that, with the departure of the program's second-leading passer, Jalon Daniels, the biggest question mark is who will step in and fill those shoes.
The defense should be the strength of this team in 2026, as they return edge rusher Leroy Harriss II and defensive tackle Blake Herold while adding Tre'von McAlpine from Tulane and David Santiago from Michigan State.
However, with essentially their entire season being played away from home and a quarterback position still facing major question marks, it is difficult for me to see this team finding consistent success.
Kansas win totals, odds and results (2008-25)
(Kansas historical win totals courtesy Sports Odds History)
| Year | Win Total | Over | Under | Actual Wins | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6.5 | -160 | +135 | 5 | Under |
| 2024 | 8.5 | +110 | -135 | 5 | Under |
| 2023 | 6 | -145 | +120 | 8 | Over |
| 2022 | 2.5 | -150 | +125 | 6 | Over |
| 2021 | 1.5 | +165 | -200 | 2 | Over |
| 2019 | 3 | +110 | -130 | 3 | Push |
| 2008 | 8 | N/A | N/A | 7 | Under |
🔑 Key takeaways
- An even split: three Overs, three Unders, one push across seven graded seasons.
- A tale of two mini-streaks: Kansas cleared its number every year from 2021 through 2023 as the total climbed off the floor, then missed in both 2024 and 2025 as expectations caught up.
- Boom to bust in the number itself: the win total ranged from a rock-bottom 1.5 in 2021 to 8.5 just three years later in 2024, before settling back down for 2026.
How Kansas win totals are priced
After two straight seasons of missing the number, Kansas actually gets a bit of a vote of confidence for 2026. The win total drops to 5.5, and the Over is favored there at -156 against +128 on the Under, the first time in three years the market has leaned the Jayhawks' way.
The conference total sits at 3.5 and is priced as a coin flip, with both the Over and Under at -110. Books see plenty of uncertainty in Big 12 play even while showing more optimism about the overall total.
The Jayhawks have just one cover in six non-conference games over the previous two seasons.
Kansas win total FAQs
Will Kansas make the CFP?
Kansas is priced at +3000 to make the 2026-27 College Football Playoff.
What is Kansas's projected win total?
The Jayhawks' win total sits at 5.5 for 2026, with the Over at -156 and the Under at +128.
Who is Kansas's starting QB?
Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall are battling to be the Jayhawks' QB1. Ballard has more experience with over 400 passing yards and 200 rushing yards, while Marshall has thrown just three collegiate passes, though he does have 15 carries for 160 yards.
What's the best bet for Kansas this season?
Based on our expert consensus, the Jayhawks' win total UNDER is the dominant choice for 2026.
