What Is 2020 Kansas Jayhawks football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 2–3 record under head coach Les Miles, who resigned mid-season. Lance Leipold was hired in June 2021 to lead the program forward.

Key Facts

2–3 record in the shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic
Played in the Big 12 Conference under head coach Les Miles
Les Miles resigned on March 25, 2021, after two seasons
Lance Leipold was hired as new head coach on June 7, 2021
Team played only five games, all against Big 12 opponents

Overview

The 2020 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas during the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Big 12 Conference, the team faced a shortened schedule due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing just five games.

Under head coach Les Miles, the Jayhawks struggled to gain momentum, finishing with a 2–3 record. The season concluded with Miles resigning in March 2021, marking the end of a two-year tenure that included a 3–9 record in 2019 and a 2–3 mark in 2020.

Five games played: The 2020 season was drastically shortened, with Kansas playing only five games, all against Big 12 opponents, due to pandemic-related scheduling changes.
2–3 final record: The Jayhawks won two games—against West Virginia and Oklahoma State—and lost to Texas, Iowa State, and Texas Tech, finishing last in the Big 12 standings.
Les Miles' resignation: Head coach Les Miles stepped down on March 25, 2021, after two seasons, amid criticism over the team's lack of progress and player transfers.
Lance Leipold hired: On June 7, 2021, Kansas announced Lance Leipold as the new head coach, bringing experience from his successful run at Buffalo.
Home games at Memorial Stadium: All home games were held in Lawrence at Municipal Stadium, with limited or no fans due to public health restrictions.

Season Performance Breakdown

The 2020 campaign was defined by inconsistency, injuries, and the challenges of competing during a global health crisis. Kansas showed flashes of improvement but failed to sustain momentum across games.

October 3 loss to Texas: The Jayhawks lost 50–48 in a high-scoring game, despite leading late, highlighting defensive struggles and missed opportunities.
October 10 win over West Virginia: Kansas secured a 38–17 victory, marking their first conference win under Miles and sparking brief optimism.
October 24 loss to Iowa State: The Cyclones defeated Kansas 49–24, exposing gaps in both offensive execution and defensive discipline.
November 7 win over Oklahoma State: A 31–27 victory gave the Jayhawks their second win, fueled by strong rushing performance and key defensive stops.
December 12 loss to Texas Tech: Kansas fell 24–17 in the season finale, ending the year on a low note and underscoring offensive inconsistency.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2020 season compares to recent Kansas football seasons in key performance metrics:

Season	Overall Record	Big 12 Record	Head Coach	Key Takeaway
2020	2–3	2–3	Les Miles	Shortened season; Miles resigned after two losing years
2019	3–9	1–8	Les Miles	Only win was against FCS-level team; major rebuilding needed
2018	3–9	1–8	David Beaty	Final season under Beaty; led to hiring of Miles
2017	1–11	0–9	David Beaty	Winless in conference play; worst season in modern program history
2016	2–10	0–9	David Beaty	Struggled offensively; averaged just 17.8 points per game

The 2020 season, while slightly better than 2019 in win total, continued a long-standing trend of underperformance. Despite a brief spark in October, Kansas remained at the bottom of the Big 12, failing to build sustainable success. The team's inability to recruit elite talent and stop high-powered offenses remained a core issue.

Why It Matters

The 2020 season was a pivotal moment in the trajectory of Kansas football, serving as a turning point that led to major leadership changes and a renewed focus on long-term rebuilding. While the on-field results were underwhelming, the aftermath reshaped the program’s future.

End of the Les Miles era: Miles' resignation marked the end of a 5–12 two-year record, signaling the university’s commitment to finding a coach capable of modernizing the program.
Hiring of Lance Leipold: Leipold’s arrival brought credibility and a proven track record from Buffalo, where he posted a 44–34 record and multiple bowl appearances.
Recruiting overhaul: The new staff immediately focused on upgrading talent, particularly in the trenches, aiming to close the gap with Big 12 rivals.
Stadium and facility upgrades: Kansas began investing in Memorial Stadium improvements to enhance fan experience and attract recruits.
Increased NIL opportunities: As Name, Image, and Likeness rules evolved, Kansas athletes began exploring endorsement deals, helping with retention.
Foundation for future success: Though 2020 was disappointing, it set the stage for a cultural reset that would influence the team’s direction into the 2020s.

Ultimately, the 2020 Kansas Jayhawks season was less about wins and losses and more about transition. It highlighted the urgent need for change and laid the groundwork for a new era under Leipold, who would aim to restore relevance to a historically struggling program.