Utah Utes vs Kansas Jayhawks Prediction and Picks - November 28, 2025
Use Code SSWC Friday afternoon Big 12 College football action, and we have a Utah vs Kansas prediction locked and loaded for you. Utah enters this contest at 8-2 on the year, and they are off a 51-47 home win over Kansas State. The Jayhawks come in off a 38-14 loss at Iowa State, which drops them to 5-6 on the year. Can Utah keep their hopes alive for a berth in the Big 12 title game? Can Kansas make it to Bowl eligibility? Read on to see our Utah vs Kansas prediction.
When it comes to college football selections, our College Football predictions are stellar.
Utes Survive Scare From Kansas State
Utah enters this matchup at 9-2 overall and 6-2 in Big 12 play, fresh off a wild 51-47 victory over Kansas State on November 22. Devon Dampier was the hero, throwing for 259 yards and two touchdowns while adding 94 rushing yards and two more scores, including the game-winner in the final minute. Byrd Ficklin chipped in with three rushing touchdowns, and Wayshawn Parker ran for 100 yards to keep the ground game rolling. The Utes piled up 551 yards of offense but also surrendered 574, showing both their explosive potential and defensive vulnerability. That win kept Utah’s Big 12 title hopes alive, though they’ll need help elsewhere to reach Arlington.
The Utes have been one of the most dominant rushing teams in the nation, averaging 307.6 yards per game on the ground, second-best in the FBS. Parker leads the way with 836 yards and six touchdowns, while Dampier and Ficklin have combined for 1,133 rushing yards and 17 scores. Utah’s offense ranks fourth nationally in points per game at 46.2, and their ability to control tempo with the run game has been the backbone of their success. Receivers like Ryan Davis and Dallen Bentley provide balance, but the passing attack is more complementary than central.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Defensively, Utah has been inconsistent. They allow 384.7 yards per game, with a strong pass defense (194.3 yards allowed, 26th nationally) but a porous run defense (190.4 yards allowed, 109th). That weakness nearly cost them against Kansas State, who gashed them for nearly 500 rushing yards. Still, the Utes have held opponents to just 20.3 points per game, ranking 25th nationally. For Utah, the stakes are clear: win in Lawrence and hope for a combination of results elsewhere to sneak into the Big 12 title game. A victory would also keep their slim College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Kansas Needs To Win For Bowl Eligibility
Kansas comes in at 5-6 overall and 3-5 in Big 12 play, following a 38-14 loss at Iowa State on November 22. The Jayhawks struggled early, falling behind 17-0 at halftime, and never recovered. Jalon Daniels threw for 154 yards with an interception, while Daniel Hishaw Jr. ran for 50 yards. Boden Groen provided a highlight with a 21-yard touchdown catch, but Kansas managed just 323 total yards compared to Iowa State’s 462. The defeat left the Jayhawks needing a win over Utah to reach bowl eligibility, making this Senior Day clash in Lawrence a must-win.
Offensively, Kansas averages 31.6 points per game, ranking 52nd nationally. Daniels has been the steady leader, throwing for 2,344 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 370 rushing yards. Lawrence Arnold Henderson Jr. has been the top receiver with 653 yards and five scores, while Groen and Quentin Skinner provide additional threats. The run game has been balanced, with Devin Neal and Hishaw combining for over 900 yards, but the Jayhawks rank just 63rd nationally in rushing yards per game. Kansas has shown flashes of explosiveness but has struggled to sustain drives against stronger defenses.
Defensively, the Jayhawks have been shaky, allowing 423.2 yards per game and 29 points per contest, ranking 88th nationally. They’ve particularly struggled against the run, giving up 191.6 yards per game, which is problematic against Utah’s ground-heavy attack. Kansas has forced only four turnovers all season, ranking near the bottom nationally in takeaways. Still, the motivation is clear: beat Utah and secure bowl eligibility for the third time in four years. With Daniels leading the offense and the home crowd behind them, the Jayhawks will look to rise to the occasion against a ranked opponent.
Utah vs Kansas Pick
Utah vs Kansas Spread Pick
- Utah -10.5 (4 Units)
Utah laying -10.5 feels justified because their offense has been overwhelming opponents all season. The Utes are averaging 46.2 points per game and rank second nationally in rushing at over 307 yards per contest, with Wayshawn Parker, Byrd Ficklin, and quarterback Devon Dampier all capable of breaking off big plays. Dampier’s dual-threat ability has kept defenses guessing, and Utah’s depth in the backfield makes them nearly impossible to contain for four quarters. Against a Kansas defense that’s giving up nearly 192 rushing yards per game and has struggled to generate turnovers, Utah’s ground attack should dictate the tempo and wear down the Jayhawks.
Kansas has shown flashes offensively, but their defense has been a liability, allowing 29 points per game and ranking 93rd nationally in total defense. That’s a tough matchup against a Utah team that thrives on explosive drives and rarely lets up once they build momentum. With the Utes still chasing a spot in the Big 12 title game, motivation won’t be an issue, and their ability to control the line of scrimmage should give them a clear edge. Kansas will be fighting for bowl eligibility, but Utah’s offensive firepower and relentless rushing attack make it hard to see this staying close, which makes the double-digit spread look very playable.
Utah vs Kansas Over/Under Pick
- Over 60.5 (5 Units)
The Over 60.5 feels like the right play because Utah’s offense has been relentless, averaging 46.2 points per game with one of the nation’s most dominant rushing attacks, while Kansas has enough firepower behind Jalon Daniels and a balanced receiving corps to put points on the board. The Jayhawks score 31.6 per game and will be desperate to reach bowl eligibility, which should push them to stay aggressive offensively. Utah’s defense has been vulnerable against the run, giving up nearly 190 yards per game, and Kansas’ defense has struggled all season, allowing almost 29 points per contest. With both teams capable of explosive plays and neither defense built to consistently slow the other down, this matchup sets up as a high-scoring shootout that clears the 60.5 total.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
