In their first season under head coach Jules V. Sikes, the Jayhawks compiled a 7–3 record (4–2 against conference opponents), finished third in the Big Seven Conference, and outscored all opponents by a combined total of 199 to 137.
On October 9, 1948, the Jayhawks played the 500th game in program history, a 20-7 victory over Iowa State.
[2] The team won seven of its first eight games but finished the season with back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Missouri.
[1] Notable players on the 1948 squad included fullback Forrest Griffith, quarterback Dick Gilman, end Bryan Sperry, tackle Mike McCormack, and guard Dick Tomlinson.
[6] The following Jayhawks were selected in the National Football League draft following the season.