Following a one-year hiatus, the previously annual spring game is back on in Lawrence this weekend, giving us our first look at Les Miles’ squad.

Les Miles is on the record as stating:

“It’ll be first defense versus first offense most of the time.”

Miles also commented that,

“It’s going to be rudimentary. It’s not going to be all of the bells and whistles, I promise.

“So vanilla. There’ll be no chocolate in it. No sprinkles. Nothing.”

But hey, at least we’ll have a spring game! And tons of other activities, too. There are expected to be over 70 recruits at the event, which culminates with a performance by rapper Rick Ross.

Admission and parking are free, so come on out! (The clear bag policy will be in effect for all attendees.) You can preview the Spring Game Media Guide, and here’s what to look forward to on Saturday:

Schedule

3 PM - Hawk Zone and Gameday on the Hill Open, City of Lawrence Bike Fair

3:30 - Egg Hunt, ages 10 and under

4 PM - Stadium gates open, BMX Bike show, Student Flag Football Championships

5 PM - Alumni Football Game

6 PM - Spring Game

Rick Ross following the Spring Game

How to Watch

The spring game itself will be broadcast locally and throughout the state of Kansas on the following channels, however, it’s up to you to check the listings for availability:

38 the Spot (Kansas City)

Cox Cable

Midco Sports Network

Spectrum Sports

It will also be available on ESPN+, which is a streaming service from the four-letter that requires a monthly fee. If you haven’t previously signed up, you should be available for a free 7-day trial (just be sure and cancel on time!).

RADIO: Check your Jayhawk Radio Network stations or stream the radio broadcast on KUAthletics.com/radio. It should also be available on the Jayhawk IMG Sports Network on the TuneIn app.

Forecast

As of this posting, the forecast from Weather Underground indicates that it is expected to be slightly above 50 degrees and cloudy skies from noon through 8 PM with about a 10 mph breeze out of the north. There is an increasing chance of rain (10-25%) after 7 PM throughout the rest of the evening.

What to Watch For

Quarterbacks - Well, Les Miles has already said it will be vanilla offense and vanilla defense, but that we’ll see mostly the first stringers. So, keep an eye on who gets the most snaps at quarterback. I’m guessing it will be juco transfer Thomas MacVittie, but sunshineandrainbows.com gives the impression that Carter Stanley is in the running as well.

Running Back - With Pooka Williams suspended (but still listed on the official roster), RB looks like a two-man combo between Khalil Herbert and Dom Williams. However, the Jayhawks have two intriguing incoming freshman that aren’t on campus yet in Amauri Pesek-Hickson, who was committed to Michigan, and Velton Gardner, who chose KU over Texas Tech and K-State.

Defense - Kansas should be fine in the secondary with the Mike Lee, Corione Harris, Hasan Defense, and Bryce Torneden all returning, but the question is literally every other position. Keep your eye on the defensive line and linebackers - whoever starts on Saturday likely has the inside track on starting Game 1 vs Indiana State on Aug 31.

Questions that probably won’t get answered

Is QB Miles Kendrick still around?

How productive will the WR position be? Will Daylon Charlot display the skills that made him a 5-star recruit?

Will KU’s new 3-4 defense be equipped to stop offenses in the Big 12?

How weird will it be to see KU quarterbacks taking snaps under center?