What Is 1936 Kansas Jayhawks football team

Overview

The 1936 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas in the Big Six Conference during the 1936 college football season. Coached by Phog Allen, who was primarily renowned for his basketball success, the team struggled to find consistency on the field.

Despite high hopes entering the season, the Jayhawks finished with a 3–6 overall record and a 2–3 mark in conference play. The season reflected a transitional period for Kansas football, as the program balanced athletic ambition with limited resources.

• Head coach Phog Allen led the team, marking his third season as football coach despite being best known for winning a national basketball title.
• The Jayhawks played their home games at Memorial Stadium, which had opened in 1921 and seated over 30,000 fans in Lawrence, Kansas.
• They finished 3–6 overall and 2–3 in the Big Six Conference, placing fourth in the six-team league.
• The team’s most notable victory was a 13–0 shutout of Kansas State on November 21, 1936, in the annual Governor's Cup rivalry game.
• Quarterback Bill Hackett emerged as a leader, throwing for modest yardage and guiding the team through a challenging schedule.

Season Performance

The 1936 season featured a mix of close losses and hard-fought wins, highlighting both the team’s determination and its limitations against stronger opponents. Kansas faced a challenging non-conference slate and struggled to maintain momentum.

• September 26, 1936: The Jayhawks opened with a 19–13 loss to Washington University, showing early defensive vulnerabilities.
• October 3, 1936: They bounced back with a 13–7 win over Oklahoma, a key victory that boosted morale early in Big Six play.
• October 10: A tough 27–0 defeat to nationally ranked Nebraska exposed gaps in talent and preparation.
• November 7: Kansas lost 14–0 to Missouri, failing to score in a game that underscored offensive struggles.
• November 14: A 20–7 loss to Iowa State confirmed a losing streak that dampened postseason hopes.
• November 28: The season ended with a 20–6 loss to Colorado, finishing with their worst record since 1932.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1936 season compares to other Kansas Jayhawks football teams in the mid-1930s:

The 1936 season was a low point before a rebound in 1937. While the team improved its rivalry record with the Kansas State win, overall performance declined compared to previous years, reflecting coaching challenges and roster limitations.

Why It Matters

The 1936 season is a footnote in Kansas football history but offers insight into the challenges of managing a multi-sport coaching role and the evolution of college football in the Midwest. It highlights the difficulties faced by programs balancing football ambitions with other athletic priorities.

• Phog Allen’s dual role as basketball and football coach was unusual and likely contributed to inconsistent football performance.
• The Big Six Conference was becoming more competitive, with Nebraska and Missouri emerging as dominant forces.
• Memorial Stadium’s growing prominence helped boost visibility, even during losing seasons.
• The rivalry with Kansas State remained a key fixture, with the Governor's Cup adding regional significance.
• Player development was limited by shorter seasons and fewer scholarships compared to modern eras.
• The 1936 season underscored the need for a dedicated football coach, leading to changes in the late 1930s.

Though not a standout year, the 1936 Kansas Jayhawks football team contributed to the long-term development of the program, setting the stage for future improvements and coaching specialization.