​Kansas Football Players Begin NFL Preseason Looking to Earn Bigger Roles in 2026The NFL preseason kicks off this week, and a number of former Kansas football players will be looking to strengthen their positions as training camp battles continue across the league.While no former Jayhawks are scheduled to appear in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game, several Kansas products are expected to make their preseason debuts over the coming weeks as they compete for roster spots and larger roles entering the 2026 season.The group is now made up almost entirely of players who came through Lance Leipold’s program. Veteran offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji was placed on the Baltimore Ravens’ reserve/retired list after signing with the team earlier this offseason, leaving defensive end Dorance Armstrong as the lone remaining pre-Leipold Jayhawk on an active NFL roster. Armstrong remains on the Washington Commanders’ physically unable to perform list while recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the 2025 season.Seattle features the largest Kansas contingent with three former Jayhawks. Offensive linemen Logan Brown and Bryce Cabeldue return after earning Super Bowl rings with the Seahawks last season, while sixth-round rookie receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. begins his first NFL training camp looking to carve out a role with his speed and special teams ability.The San Francisco 49ers also have a pair of former Kansas linemen. Dominick Puni has started every game during his first two NFL seasons, while rookie Enrique Cruz Jr. begins his professional career after being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.Several second-year Jayhawks are aiming to build on promising rookie campaigns. Running back Devin Neal enters training camp with the New Orleans Saints after totaling 310 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns late last season. Cornerback Cobee Bryant returns to the Atlanta Falcons after appearing in seven games as an undrafted rookie, while wide receiver Luke Grimm is back with the Los Angeles Chargers following time on the active roster and practice squad.Elsewhere, Quentin Skinner begins his first season with the Buffalo Bills after previously spending time with the New York Jets, while rookies Tommy Dunn Jr., D.J. Withers, Levi Wentz, Laith Marjan, Jalon Daniels and Bangally Kamara all enter preseason hoping to earn roster spots before final cuts later this month.Join the CommunityDon’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!It’s completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!