Cam Pickett assuring Jayhawks’ offense will be one of Big 12’s best

FRISCO, Texas — Despite finishing 66th nationally in total offense last season, Kansas’ veteran wideout believes there are plenty of reasons for the unit to make big strides approaching fall camp.

Cam Pickett understands that the Jayhawks need to play better in the fourth quarter. After all, Kansas lost two conference games by less than a touchdown last year. Which is why mental toughness remains a priority for the players, and they’re eager to end the streak of two losing campaigns.

“It brings some motivation just knowing that we’re close, but it also shows that we need to work on finishing,” Pickett said. So that’s been an emphasis for us this off-season.”

After starting three games in 2025, and tying for first on the team in receptions, Pickett intends on being a major contributor for the offense again this fall. He’s a versatile receiver too, who can do damage from the slot, and out on the edge. He’ll be operating under a new Offensive Coordinators in Matt Lubick, and Andy Kotelnicki, who returns to the program after spending the last two years at Penn State.

Not to mention for the first time in five seasons Kansas will be starting a new quarterback with Jalon Daniels no longer around. Sophomore signal-caller Isaiah Marshall will be delivering Pickett balls, and he feels the two are building chemistry. Pickett knows that he’s the veteran of a young wide receiver room, and has to lead by example, which he finds encouraging.

“They really want to learn, they ask a lot of questions, want to get better, and they put in a lot of work,” he said. “So I’m excited to see the group grow.”

The Jayhawks have also added some firepower to the backfield with former Kansas State rusher Dylan Edwards. There’s no denying Edwards is one of the most explosive backs in the Big 12 when he’s healthy. Kansas averaged 34.8 points per game in 2023, and that’s the last time Kotelnicki called the plays. Pickett is soaking up Kotelnicki’s playbook like sponge, and wants to start out of the gates fast like he did last year.

The Chicago native caught two touchdowns in last year’s opening victory over Fresno State, and had a receiving score the following week against Wagner. Pickett has the experience, after spending three seasons at Ball State before arriving to Kansas. The six-foot, 200-pounder has the production, with 1,005 receiving yards over the past two years.

Now Pickett is due for an All-Big 12 caliber campaign, and ready for fall camp. There’s more to accomplish at Kansas in his eyes, and Pickett never wanted to transfer. Like several of his teammates, Pickett’s main reason for returning to the Jayhawks is to help them achieve bowl eligibility.

“I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business here, and I like it in Lawrence,” the former three-star prospect said. “I like KU’s program, the coaches believe in me, and the fans make it fun to be here.”

The team has a lot of motivation for the season, considering renovation is over with for the stadium, Kansas hosts rival Missouri under the Friday night lights in week two, and plays Arizona State in London in week three. Pickett can’t wait to show the rest of the Big 12 what the offense has brewing, and the entire unit is hungry.

“I feel like we’re going to be a very explosive team, we have a lot of big plays in the works, and a lot of players that can make big plays.”