Kansas announced its season opener against Fresno State will kick off the Jayhawks’ attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.
The Big 12 enters 2025 without a clear favorite. Kansas gets an early chance to make a statement when they host the Bulldogs on Saturday night as two-touchdown favorites in Week 0 action.
Both teams will use the game to showcase players hoping to improve their 2026 NFL Draft positioning.
Prospects to watch in Kansas vs. Fresno State
Kansas
Bryce Foster leads Kansas’ draft-eligible prospects. The redshirt senior center has built a reputation for strong pass protection and solid physical tools.
Foster excels in zone blocking schemes but performs his best run-blocking work as a puller. That versatility could translate to guard positions at the NFL level.
Good Lord this gets me fired up! Watch Kansas Jayhawks center Bryce Foster hustle to pick up the corner blitz and keep Jalon Daniels clean @BryceFoster5 pic.twitter.com/xdHnKnlwuP
— Benjamin Hodge (@benjaminwhodge) August 20, 2025
Foster’s ground game still needs work, but his consistency and processing ability make him an intriguing prospect.
The 6’7″, 315-pound lineman combines size with athleticism that hasn’t been compromised. A strong 2025 season could push him into Day 2 consideration, though his struggles against SEC competition at Texas A&M before transferring raise questions. Foster will turn 24 during his rookie year, which limits his development timeline.
Clements presents a different profile than Foster. The tackle enters 2025 with his 6’7″, 315-pound frame and athleticism intact, but little polish.
He’s set to start for a full season for the first time. His run-blocking performance last season was inconsistent, with problems navigating to the second level and poor hand placement.
Clements isn’t currently draftable. This season will determine whether he can develop enough to warrant a Day 3 selection.
Hurley transferred from Alabama as a former four-star recruit but has fewer than 20 defensive snaps in college. His length and athleticism keep him on watch lists, though his playing time remains uncertain.
Fresno State
Foreman begins the year as a priority undrafted free agent candidate. The defensive lineman was 247’s third-best recruit from 2021 but struggled through three seasons at USC.
Injuries, inconsistent play and poor production damaged his draft stock before transferring to Fresno State.
As a part-time player with the Bulldogs, Foreman showed improvement against the run and flashed the ability that made him a top recruit. His profile carries significant concerns, but his talent could help him re-emerge 230 miles north of where he started his college career.
Warner faces the most pressure entering 2025. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner has already transferred twice, from Temple to Rice to Fresno State’s starting lineup.
Warner’s six-foot frame creates immediate questions about his NFL potential. He appeared uncomfortable in the pocket against Power Four competition and struggled with decision-making.
His combination of size limitations and arm strength makes routine throws look difficult. While he’s a solid athlete, he lacks the physical or mental tools needed to overcome his size at the next level.
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