Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is expected to return for the Jayhawks’ game against Illinois on Friday. Daniels missed the team’s season opener against Missouri State due to back tightness. Jason Bean started in Daniels’ place and led the team to a 48-17 victory with 22 completions for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
Daniels had an impressive 2022 season, despite missing several games due to a shoulder injury. He passed for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns, while also rushing for 425 yards and seven touchdowns. Daniels had a standout performance in the Liberty Bowl loss to Arkansas, throwing for 544 yards.
Bean, who filled in for Daniels last season, had a solid season with 1,280 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and four interceptions. However, Daniels’ return is expected to provide a boost to the Jayhawks’ offense as they face their first power conference opponent of the year.
Kansas and Illinois will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday at Memorial Stadium. The two teams have met five times before, with Illinois holding a 3-2 advantage. The Jayhawks won the most recent matchup in 1968.
