The Kansas Jayhawks aim for a 2-0 start to the season this weekend, and will now be playing with their star quarterback.

 

Jalon Daniels is expected to return for Friday night's showdown with the Illinois Fighting Illini after missing the season opener against Missouri State.

 

Daniels has been battling back tightness since the early portion of fall camp, and was kept out of Week 1's contest as a precaution.

 

Daniels had more than 2,500 total yards and 25 total touchdowns in 2022, while missing multiple games with a shoulder injury. Daniels had 544 passing yards and seven total touchdowns in the bowl game against Arkansas.

 

The Big 12 Conference named Daniels the 2023 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. KU will battle Illinois on Friday at 7:30 p.m.