K-State Defeat Leaves KU Coach Lance Leipold ‘Embarrassed’
Lance Leipold, head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, appeared somber during his postgame press conference following a tough loss to the Kansas State Wildcats. The game, held at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on October 25, 2025, ended with a score of 42-17, marking Kansas State’s dominance over Kansas with a 17-game winning streak in this rivalry.
KU Coach Lance Leipold Reacts to Embarrassing Defeat
During the game, Kansas initially took the lead with a rushing touchdown in the first quarter. However, the Jayhawks struggled significantly afterward, resulting in a blowout loss. With this defeat, Kansas’s record now stands at 4-4, including a 2-3 record in the Big 12 Conference. Notably, the team has not managed to defeat Kansas State since 2008, which weighed heavily on Leipold’s mind.
Leipold’s Reflections on the Game
- Leipold described the performance as a “major step backward.”
- He acknowledged that the Jayhawks were “thoroughly outplayed” and “out-executed.”
- Expressing disappointment, he stated, “They were more physical than us.”
This loss marks Leipold’s fifth consecutive defeat against Kansas State since taking over as head coach. He emphasized the need for improvement, saying, “As a head coach, it’s your responsibility to have them ready to go.” Despite the team’s effort, he recognized the coaching staff, including himself, must reassess their strategies following the significant loss.
Embarrassment Among Fans and Players
Feedback from fans was overwhelmingly negative, with audible boos during the game and criticism on social media. When asked about the fans’ embarrassment over the losing streak, Leipold candidly admitted, “I’d be embarrassed — I’m embarrassed, right now.” He encouraged fans to maintain faith in the program, despite the ongoing struggles against major rivals.
- Leipold’s overall record against rivals:
- Kansas State: 0-5
- Missouri: 0-1
Reflecting on the future, Leipold stressed the need for players to remain focused and work hard. He noted that the Jayhawks still require two additional wins to achieve bowl eligibility. The team will look to turn the page on this disappointing performance when they face Oklahoma State during homecoming weekend.
Next Steps for the Jayhawks
Leipold emphasized the importance of learning from the game film and being coachable. “It’s an important time to see where we will be,” he said. The coaching staff will analyze their strategies and make necessary adjustments ahead of their upcoming match against Oklahoma State.
As the season progresses, both fans and the coaching staff hope for a turnaround in performance. The pressure is on, and the Jayhawks must rally to reclaim their competitive edge in the Big 12.
