A dual-threat quarterback who threw for over 9,000 yards across six injury-interrupted seasons at Kansas, Jalon Daniels signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent to develop behind the Buccaneers' starter.
Jalon Daniels spent six seasons as Kansas's quarterback, flashing first-round talent when healthy but battling shoulder and back injuries that repeatedly cut his seasons short. He went undrafted in 2026 and signed with the Buccaneers, where his athleticism has made him a name to watch in a crowded quarterback room.
Path to the league
Out of Lawndale, California, Daniels was lightly recruited and chose Kansas as one of only two Power Five programs to offer him. He started as a true freshman in 2020, then took over full-time in 2021 after an injury to Jason Bean, leading Kansas to a landmark win over Texas that snapped multiple long losing streaks.
Career highlights
Daniels' best full season came in 2022, when he passed for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns in nine games and set a program record with 544 yards in the Liberty Bowl, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. He was named Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year entering 2023 but appeared in just three games that year because of a back injury, finishing his career with 9,282 passing yards, 67 touchdowns and 1,445 rushing yards over 49 games.
2025 season recap
In his final Kansas season, Daniels stayed healthy for 12 games and set career highs with 2,531 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He went undrafted that spring but signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2026, entering camp as a developmental option behind the Buccaneers' starting quarterback.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Jalon Daniels
- Buccaneers.com: Rookie QB Jalon Daniels Having a Blast with Bucs
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Quarterback
- Group
- offense
- College
- Kansas
- Hometown
- Lawndale, CA, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
