#17
Brandon Schmelzle
Returning to Kansas for 2026
Axtell, Kan. → Axtell HS
via kuathletics.com ↗Brandon Schmelzle
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
Career Arc
HS
Recruit
★★★
CFB
College
—
NFL
NFL Draft
—
Splits & context
Supporting Cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Lance Leipold
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Kansas
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Safety · Kansas
Returning around him
- 2 Kansas players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: +5 net (31 in / 26 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Kansas · Last season: 5-7 · Talent rank #48 · 2026 recruiting class #61
Background
NAME PRONUNCIATION Get to Know Brandon ... At what age did you start playing football and how did you get into football? I have been playing football for as long as I can remember. Watching my brother play is what got me into it. Tell us about your hometown/where you’re from? I'm from Axtell, Kan...
Stats from CFBD · ESPN · fan discourse. Every figure computed from source tables — not invented. Methodology