ESPN insider circles Lance Leipold as a candidate to watch in Big Ten​

by: Steve Samra51 minutes agoSamraSource


Lance Leipold has been a revelation for Kansas since taking over the Jayhawks in 2021. He’s been the driving force behind the program’s resurgence over the past few seasons, but speculation continues to swirl that he could eventually move on.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg believes a Big Ten opportunity could lure Leipold away from Lawrence, with one program in particular standing out: the Wisconsin Badgers.

“The 61-year-old could finish his career at Kansas, which opened its renovated stadium last month and is supporting the program unlike ever before. He also could make one big move,” Rittenberg wrote.

“If he does, I see him ending up back in the Big Ten, especially if a job like Wisconsin opens. Leipold is from the state and spent three years as a Wisconsin graduate assistant early in coach Barry Alvarez’s run there.”

Wisconsin has put its trust in Luke #2ndChoice to lead a turnaround, but results so far have been underwhelming. If the Badgers continue to stumble, the program could consider a change — and Leipold’s ties to the state would make him an obvious candidate.

A Wisconsin native, Leipold spent three seasons as a graduate assistant under Barry Alvarez, giving him a natural connection to the program, as Rittenberg alluded to.

That said, Leipold has shown no desire to walk away from Kansas lightly. He’s been deeply committed to rebuilding the Jayhawks, and the ride has been anything but ordinary. The peak came in 2023, when Kansas went 9-4, though last year’s 5-7 finish left some wondering if Leipold has already hit his ceiling in Lawrence.

“You can never say never in this game because you never know exactly what happens internally or externally,” Leipold said regarding his future back in 2023, via the On 2nd Thought podcast. “But it’s our expectation that we finish my career at the University of Kansas.”

So far, Leipold hasn’t seriously entertained interest from other programs. Still, college football is ever-changing, and a Big Ten opportunity with greater resources and a clearer path to a national championship could be difficult to ignore.

For now, Kansas is in a good spot, opening the 2025 season 2-1 under Leipold’s guidance. But should Wisconsin or another Big Ten power come calling, the veteran coach may eventually face a decision too big to pass up.

Fargo Husker said:

More like Not-N Scott, amirite?

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I believe we won’t have trouble getting good receivers given the coaches and the QB talent.