Pick details
| MATCHUP | Long Island Sharks | Kansas Jayhawks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 6-6 | 0-0 |
| Where | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS | |
| When | Friday, September 4, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPNU | |
The Long Island University Sharks and the Kansas Jayhawks will meet Friday night at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. Let’s take a look at this matchup from a betting perspective.
Long Island University Sharks Betting Preview
The Long Island University Sharks finished the 2025 season with a 6–6 overall record and a 4–3 mark in Northeast Conference play which ranked fourth in the Northeast Conference. Long Island University posted a 4–1 home record and a 2–5 mark on the road. Head coach Ron Cooper enters his fifth season with the program.
*It should be noted that Long Island played the team’s first game in week zero. North Dakota defeated the Sharks by a score of 42-21.
The Long Island University offense struggled for much of the 2025 season. The Sharks scored 16.4 points per game ranking 114th in the country, and averaged 294.3 total yards per game, including 124.2 passing yards (123rd) and 170.2 rushing yards (40th). Long Island’s offensive identity leaned heavily on quarterback mobility and run game volume due to the team’s overall limited passing efficiency.
Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the football, Long Island University was one of the strongest defenses in the NEC in 2025. The Sharks allowed 18.8 points per game (1st in NEC) and 295.2 total yards per game, while surrendering just 161.6 passing yards per game.
Quarterback Ethan Greenwood returns as LIU’s offensive leader. Greenwood compiled 645 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a 56.6% completion rate last season. Greenwood also led the team in rushing with 416 yards and 4 touchdowns, giving the Sharks a dual threat option under center.
Defensive back Trey Watkins headline LIU’s returning talent on defense. Watkins tied for second in the nation with five interceptions in 2025. On offense, wide receiver Jayden Simpson returns after posting 291 receiving yards on 25 receptions last season.
Kansas Jayhawks Betting Preview
The Kansas Jayhawks finished the 2025 season with a 5–7 overall record and a 3–6 mark in Big 12 conference play, which ranked ninth in the conference. Kansas posted a 4–3 home record and a 1–4 mark on the road. Head coach Lance Leipold enters his sixth season with the Jayhawks.
The Kansas offense was competitive last season. The Jayhawks scored 26.5 points per game which ranked 68th in the nation, while averaging 368.8 total yards per game, including 211 passing yards (88th in country) and 157.8 rushing yards. Kansas added offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki in the offseason who held the same position for the Jayhawks in 2023.
Defensively, Kansas allowed 28.5 points per game (85th nationally) and 409.5 total yards per game, including 225.4 passing yards and 184.1 rushing yards.
Kansas will turn to quarterback Isaiah Marshall, who takes over the starting role in 2026. I view Marshall as a dynamic athlete with strong arm talent.
Why the Long Island University Sharks will win.
• Defensive strength. The Sharks allowed 18.8 points per game (1st in NEC), while surrendering just 161.6 passing yards per game.
• Dual threat quarterback play. Ethan Greenwood led the Sharks in both passing and rushing yards in 2025.
• Historically, the under is 6-0-1 in Long Island’s last seven road games when playing as an underdog.
Why the Kansas Jayhawks will win.
• Kansas finished the 2025 season 5-7 against the spread.
• Season opening dominance. The Kansas Jayhawks have won five straight season openers by a combined score of 200–51.
• Offensive upside. Isaiah Marshall and the revamped skill group provide explosive potential.
Long Island University vs. Kansas Prediction
In my view, the way to go in this matchup is the total rather than a side. Why? Long Island University opened the 2026 regular season last week, losing to North Dakota 42-21. Now the Sharks draw a far more formidable opponent led by talented quarterback Isaiah Marshall. I fully expect Kansas to score early and often in this one. Additionally, I would not be surprised if an opportunistic Jayhawks defense found a way to return an interception for a touchdown. With that said, I am backing over 52.5 points in this game.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Over 52.5
