Clifton Thompson Transferred to Kansas Jayhawks
The defensive lineman joined the program following early season depth challenges on the roster.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
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Clifton Thompson has transferred to the Kansas Jayhawks football team. His arrival bolsters a defensive line rotation that previously lost Tre'Von McAlpine for the season.
Why it matters
The addition addresses defensive depth concerns for the 1-2 Jayhawks. The team seeks to strengthen its line play following a 24-17 loss to Arizona State.
Kansas currently holds a 1-2 overall record and a 0-1 Big 12 record. Defensive standouts Leroy Harris III and David Santiago have recorded 15 and 13 tackles respectively through three games.
The players
Clifton Thompson
He is a defensive lineman who transferred to the Kansas Jayhawks from Central Connecticut State.
Kansas Jayhawks
This is the college football program representing the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Tre'Von McAlpine
He is a defensive player for the Jayhawks who was ruled out for the entire season before the opener.
Leroy Harris III
He is a defensive contributor for Kansas who has tallied 15 tackles and two forced fumbles this season.
David Santiago
He is a key defensive player for the Jayhawks who recorded 13 tackles and one sack through three games.
The details
Thompson joins a defensive line group that includes Blake Herold, Marcus Calvin, Eamon Smalls, and Kevin Oatis. The team continues to recover from a 24-17 defeat against Arizona State where three turnovers proved costly.
Timeline
Clifton Thompson committed to the team on September 28, 2026.
Kansas is scheduled to host Middle Tennessee on October 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The addition of Thompson provides needed support for the Jayhawks as they navigate a difficult start to the Big 12 schedule. This move could influence the defensive stability required to shift the team's current 1-2 record before conference play intensifies.
The Jayhawks must improve on the 3.5 yards per play allowed by the defense to improve their standing. Following the 24-17 loss to Arizona State, the coaching staff is prioritizing turnover reduction and defensive line production.
The takeaway
Adding veteran depth through transfers remains a critical strategy for teams facing early injury attrition. Consistent defensive line performance is now a primary requirement for the Jayhawks to climb out of their current sub-.500 record.
What happens next
The Kansas Jayhawks will host Middle Tennessee at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on October 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the squad, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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