Long Island University Sharks vs Kansas Jayhawks Picks and Prediction for Friday, September 4, 2026

By: David Anicetti Published 08/30/2026, 10:18 PM ET

The Long Island University Sharks visit the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence. LIU is already 0-1 this season after losing 42-21 at North Dakota, while Kansas opens its season after finishing 5-7 overall last year. The Jayhawks closed 2025 with three straight losses, including a 31-21 defeat to Utah. Kansas is a 38.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 53.5 points. Find your opening-week betting angle with our free NCAAF picks.

Long Island University Sharks Preview

LIU's season started poorly at North Dakota, where the Sharks fell behind 42-0 before scoring three second-half touchdowns. Quarterback Luca Stanzani completed 12 of 16 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown, including a 65-yard scoring strike to Boakai Veikei. Stanzani also scored on a one-yard run. The Sharks finished with only 255 total yards and 13 first downs while committing two turnovers and 10 penalties for 103 yards. LIU converted 5 of 14 third downs and rushed for only 82 yards.

The defensive performance creates an even larger concern against Kansas. North Dakota generated 465 total yards, 25 first downs and converted 10 of 16 third-down opportunities. LIU allowed touchdowns on six first-half possessions as the Fighting Hawks scored 42 points before halftime. Rafael Fasolino recorded 10 tackles, while Phillip Baynes Jr. had a sack. The Sharks were better after halftime, but the damage had already been done against an FCS opponent.

Kansas Jayhawks Preview

Kansas enters 2026 looking for more offensive production after finishing 5-7 last season. The Jayhawks have a quarterback competition involving Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall and Rice transfer Chase Jenkins. Dylan Edwards gives Kansas a dangerous option in the backfield, while Yasin Willis adds size. Cam Pickett returns after tying for the team lead with 45 receptions, and transfers Nahzae Cox and Nik McMillan combined for 102 catches last season.

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The defense also received significant transfer help after creating only 10 takeaways in 2025. Trey Lathan returns after leading Kansas with 86 tackles and seven tackles for loss, while Tre'von McAlpine adds size to the defensive front. The Jayhawks need more pressure after Leroy Harris III led the team with only 4.5 sacks. Against an LIU offensive line coming off a difficult opener, Kansas has an opportunity to create disruption immediately.

Long Island University Sharks vs Kansas Jayhawks Prediction

Kansas has questions entering the season, particularly at quarterback, but this matchup provides an opportunity to work through them without needing one player to carry the offense. LIU struggled to run the football at North Dakota and allowed six touchdowns before halftime. Kansas has enough backfield and receiving talent to attack a Sharks defense that just surrendered 465 yards. The 38.5-point spread is substantial, but LIU's opening performance showed how quickly the Sharks can fall behind when the defense cannot get off the field. Kansas will establish the running game, create favorable field position and give its quarterbacks manageable situations. The Jayhawks will build an early advantage and continue adding points against an LIU defense playing its second road game in nine days. Final Score Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks win and cover ATS, 49-7.