Jalon Daniels is an American college football quarterback best known for playing with the Kansas Jayhawks in the NCAA’s Big 12 Conference. Born on October 29, 2002, in Lawndale, California, Daniels has become one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football. Standing 6 feet (1.83 m) tall and weighing 220 lbs (100 kg), he combines strength, agility, and leadership on the field.
From a young age, Daniels showed remarkable athletic potential, which led him to commit to the University of Kansas after initially considering Middle Tennessee State University. Over the years, he has overcome injuries, competition, and challenges to establish himself as a pivotal figure in the Jayhawks’ offense.
Quick Facts of Jalon Daniels
| Full Name | Jalon Daniels |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 29, 2002 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 22 years old |
| Place of Birth | Lawndale, California, United States |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Team | Kansas Jayhawks |
| Class | Redshirt Senior |
| High School | Lawndale High School |
| College Career | Kansas (2020–present) |
| Awards | Second-Team All-Big 12 (2022) |
| Parents | Mother: Starkey Daniels; Stepfather: Tyrone Dubois-Daniels |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life and Family Background
Born and raised in Lawndale, California, Jalon Daniels developed a passion for football early on. He attended Lawndale High School, where his athletic performance quickly gained attention from college scouts. Initially, he committed to Middle Tennessee State University before ultimately choosing to play for the Kansas Jayhawks, one of the few Power Five schools that offered him a spot.
Jalon was raised primarily by his mother, Starkey Daniels, who later married Tyrone Dubois-Daniels in 2015. His family’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of his journey both on and off the field.
College Football Career
2020: Freshman Season
Jalon Daniels made his debut season as a true freshman in 2020, starting six games for the Jayhawks. Although Kansas finished the year with an 0–9 record, Daniels demonstrated flashes of potential, completing 76 of 152 passes for 718 yards, along with one touchdown and four interceptions.
2021: A Turning Point
In 2021, Daniels began the season as a backup but later reclaimed the starting position after quarterback Jason Bean suffered an injury. He led the Jayhawks to a historic victory over Texas, their first in Austin and only the second since 1938. Under his leadership, Kansas’ offensive performance improved drastically, averaging 37.7 points per game in his starts. Daniels ended the season with 860 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.
2022: Breakout Year
The 2022 season marked a breakthrough in Daniels’ career. As the starting quarterback, he led Kansas to their best start since 2009 with a 5–0 record and earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors. His performance against Houston, where he totaled five touchdowns and over 100 rushing yards, earned him the Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week award.
Unfortunately, a shoulder injury against TCU temporarily sidelined him. However, he made a remarkable return later in the season and finished strong, setting a Liberty Bowl record with 544 passing yards in a thrilling game against Arkansas.
2023: Preseason Hype and Setbacks
Heading into 2023, Daniels was named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, becoming the first Kansas player ever to receive the honor. He was also listed for prestigious awards such as the Davey O’Brien Award and the Manning Award. However, due to a recurring back injury, he missed most of the season — a major blow to both him and the Jayhawks.
2024: The Comeback Decision
In November 2023, Daniels announced his decision to return for the 2024 season, reaffirming his commitment to Kansas. With his leadership, the Jayhawks went on to defeat three ranked teams consecutively, while teammate Devin Neal set new school rushing records. Daniels’ return symbolizes resilience and dedication to finishing what he started.
Jalon Daniels’ Parents
Mother: Starkey Daniels — Jalon’s mother, who raised him as a single parent before marrying Tyrone Dubois-Daniels in 2015.
Stepfather: Tyrone Dubois-Daniels — has played a significant role in supporting Jalon’s football journey.
There’s limited public information about Jalon’s biological father, and the family prefers to keep those details private. Both of his parents are American nationals.
Interesting Facts About Jalon Daniels
- 🏈 First Kansas player to be named Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year (2023)
- 💪 Set a Liberty Bowl record with 544 passing yards in 2022
- 🎓 Known for his leadership both on and off the field
- 🌟 Played a crucial role in reviving Kansas football’s national recognition
- 🇺🇸 Proud representative of Lawndale, California, in college football
Future Prospects
Jalon Daniels continues to be one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football. With his combination of athleticism, composure, and determination, he is expected to be a major contender for future NFL drafts once he completes his college career. His inspiring journey from a small-town athlete to a nationally recognized player exemplifies the power of hard work and perseverance.
