This past Sunday, significant for more than just Father’s Day, marked a major milestone for the Kansas Jayhawks’ 2025 recruiting class. Five new players pledged their commitment to Kansas following visits over the weekend. Just days before, Joseph Skipworth and Julian Marks had also committed, rounding off a promising week for Jayhawks recruiting. Let’s delve into these new additions and see how they might shape the future of Kansas football.
TE Joseph Skipworth
Joseph Skipworth, a 6’5”, 220-pound tight end from Milton, Florida, committed to Kansas last Wednesday. Skipworth chose Kansas over offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, and others. With the graduation of tight end Mason Fairchild and upcoming departures of seniors Jared Casey, Trevor Kardell, and transfer DeShawn Hanika, Skipworth is poised to play a significant role in the Jayhawks’ offense when he arrives in 2025. Although there will be experienced tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart initially, Skipworth, who was recruited as a 3-star talent, has the potential to become a key player for Kansas.
OT Julian Marks
Julian “JuJu” Marks, a 6’6”, 260-pound offensive tackle, chose Kansas despite offers from top programs like Georgia, Notre Dame, and Alabama. Marks, who originally committed to Missouri, brings versatility to the table, having played both offensive and defensive line for State Champion St. Thomas Aquinas. As the offensive line looks to fill gaps with the departure of Bryce Cabeldue and Shane Baumgarner after the 2024 season, Marks, a highly sought-after recruit, could quickly find himself in the spotlight.
QB/CB Brandon Schmelzle
Brandon Schmelzle, a versatile athlete from Axtell, Kansas, committed to the Jayhawks as their sole FBS offer. A four-sport athlete and dual-threat player, Schmelzle threw for over 1,500 yards and nearly 29 touchdowns in his junior season at Axtell, a school that only fields an 8-man football team. Despite Kansas having a robust lineup of developing quarterbacks like Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall, Schmelzle, a 3-star recruit, has the potential to make his mark, either as a quarterback or in another position that leverages his athletic talents.
DE Adrian Holley
Adrian Holley, a 6’6”, 225-pound edge rusher from Michigan City, Indiana, committed to Kansas on Father’s Day. Despite limited national interest, Holley received significant regional recruitment and could become a crucial addition to the defensive line. With many of the current starting defensive linemen set to graduate, Holley, a 3-star recruit, may find early opportunities to contribute.
DE Garrett Martin
Garrett Martin, a 6’4”, 245-pound edge rusher from Arizona, also committed to Kansas, choosing the Jayhawks over several Big 12 competitors, including Arizona programs and Colorado. At Saguaro, Martin tallied 66 tackles, 13 for loss, and 3.5 sacks as a sophomore. Martin, another 3-star recruit, is expected to become a defensive playmaker for Kansas soon after stepping on campus.
DL Josiah Hammond
Josiah Hammond, a 6’3”, 250-pound defensive lineman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, joins the Jayhawks’ 2025 class following a breakout junior season. Hammond recorded 44 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, drawing attention from prominent schools nationwide. If Hammond, along with Martin and Holley, remain committed, they could form the backbone of a formidable future Jayhawk pass rush.
LB Kenyon Rivera
Kenyon Rivera, a 6’1”, 195-pound linebacker from Buford, Georgia, chose Kansas over numerous other high-profile offers. Rivera’s junior season stats include 36 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Committing from a nationally renowned program like Buford, Rivera represents a significant win for Kansas’ recruiting efforts. With experienced linebackers graduating soon, Rivera is likely to make an immediate impact.
A Sign of Progress
The recent wave of 2025 commitments signifies Kansas’ growing prowess in attracting talent from outside traditional recruiting grounds. This past week, Kansas secured recruits from Florida, Arizona, and Georgia, showcasing their ability to draw players from notable out-of-state schools. Head Coach Lance Leipold and his staff are clearly making strides, proving Kansas’ appeal to recruits typically drawn to powerhouse programs. The Jayhawks’ ability to land such recruits indicates a promising future for the team.