Kansas football is navigating a critical juncture on the defensive line following the offseason departure of standout Austin Booker to the NFL. The Jayhawks are left with a roster filled with potential yet unproven edge rushers, leading the coaching staff to bolster the position by signing highly-touted 4-star recruits Deshawn “DJ” Warner and Dak Brinkley.
Among those who had initially piqued optimism was Tony Terry, a former 3-star recruit from Missouri. Terry, who redshirted his freshman year, was anticipated to contribute significantly in the trenches under head coach Lance Leipold. However, recent developments have dashed those expectations. During a practice session last week, Leipold confirmed that Terry is no longer with the Kansas football program.
“Tony [Terry] is no longer in the program,” Leipold stated at the conclusion of his press conference. Terry’s absence from the final fall camp roster further fueled speculation and inquiries from the media.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end was a notable addition to KU’s Class of 2024, ranking as the 10th highest-rated recruit. Initially recruited for his versatility, Terry was expected to transition to defensive tackle after adding 20 pounds over the offseason. His high school career highlighted his athleticism, not only as a defensive lineman but also as a tight end, a position he was briefly considered for by former offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.
Despite these promising attributes, Terry never saw game action for Kansas. His departure, while disappointing, is not anticipated to have a substantial long-term impact on the team. With Leipold’s emphasis on recruiting edge rushers in recent classes, the defensive line remains well-stocked with talent.
It remains unclear whether Terry will seek opportunities elsewhere through the transfer portal or opt to conclude his college football career. For now, Kansas football will continue to focus on integrating its new recruits and refining its defensive strategy as the season approaches.
