KU football lands O-line transfer from Louisville. Will he be eligible this season?

Former University of Louisville football offensive lineman Kobe Baynes, who entered the transfer portal on Aug. 16, on Monday chose Kansas as his transfer destination.

Baynes, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound redshirt sophomore from Jacksonville, Florida, who was offered scholarships from coaching staffs at KU, Syracuse, Illinois, South Florida, Memphis, Bowling Green and others, told Jayhawkslant,com he will arrive on KU’s campus and enroll on Tuesday.

Also … he said he would be applying for an NCAA waiver to be immediately eligible.

If he doesn’t get the transfer he would have three seasons of eligibility remaining starting in 2023.

If granted the waiver he could provide immediate depth to a line led by NFL prospect Earl Bostick, Jr., and Mike Novitsky. The KU lineman group also includes Michael Ford Jr., Armaj Reed-Adams, Bryce Cabeldue, Nolan Gorczyca, Dominick Puni, James Livingston, De’Kedrick Sterns, Deondre Doiron and others. The Jayhawks in fact return all but one offensive lineman from last year’s 2-10 team.

Baynes according to Jayhawkslant.com had 18 offers his senior year at Sandalwood High in Jacksonville.

Baynes did not play during his first season with Louisville in 2020. He played in one game last season — against Duke.

Of KU, he told Jayhawkslant.com: “One of the things they (KU coaches) like about my game is my ability to bend and my ability to play athletically. I can play multiple positions on the offensive line, guard to tackle to left tackle. They just said they think I’m a good player. I’m excited and I’m anxious. I’m anxious to get out there and get ready to work. I’m ready to go in and just do my job.”

KU will open the 2022 season against Tennessee Tech. Kickoff is 7 p.m., Sept. 2, at Booth Memorial Stadium.