Kansas Confusion Explodes: Why Nohl Williams Was Drafted by the Chiefs — Not the Jayhawks!

April 26, 2025 — Kansas sports fans are buzzing with confusion, and it’s all centered around one name: Nohl Williams. Social media is ablaze with questions like, “Did the Kansas Jayhawks just draft a new basketball star?” or “Who is this guy signed by Kansas?” Spoiler alert: Nohl Williams isn’t hitting the hardwood with the Jayhawks. Instead, he’s suiting up for the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL powerhouse, as their third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. So, how did this mix-up happen, and why was Williams the Chiefs’ choice? Let’s break it down.

The Kansas Mix-Up: Jayhawks vs. Chiefs

The confusion stems from Kansas’ split sports identity. On one hand, you’ve got the University of Kansas Jayhawks, a college basketball juggernaut known for producing NBA talents like Joel Embiid and Jalen Wilson. On the other, there’s the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL’s reigning dynasty, fresh off their latest Super Bowl run. When news broke that Nohl Williams was “signed by Kansas,” many fans assumed it was a Jayhawks basketball move, especially with the transfer portal heating up. But Williams isn’t a hoops player—he’s a lockdown cornerback, and his destination is Arrowhead Stadium, not Allen Fieldhouse.

The mix-up isn’t entirely surprising. Kansas City and the University of Kansas are geographically close, and both fanbases are passionate. Add in the fact that Williams’ draft announcement came during a busy time for college basketball recruiting, and it’s easy to see why wires got crossed. But make no mistake: Williams is a football phenom, and the Chiefs are thrilled to have him.

Who Is Nohl Williams?

Nohl Laurence Williams, a 22-year-old from Oxnard, California, is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound cornerback who’s been turning heads on the gridiron. His college career took him from UNLV (2020–2022) to Cal (2023–2024), where he emerged as one of the nation’s top defensive backs. In 2024, Williams led the FBS with seven interceptions, earning Consensus All-American honors and a spot on the All-ACC First Team. He also showcased his versatility, scoring three touchdowns in unique ways: an interception return, a fumble recovery, and an 80-yard kickoff return against UC Davis.

Williams’ stats are eye-popping:

• 98 tackles and 5 interceptions at UNLV, earning Second-Team All-Mountain West honors in 2022.

• 7 interceptions in 2024 at Cal, the most in the FBS.

• Over 3,300 defensive snaps, giving him veteran experience at just 22 years old.

Analysts compare his playstyle to NFL stars like Jaire Alexander, praising his ball-hawking instincts and physicality in press coverage. However, his footwork needs polish, and he’s not yet a lockdown man-to-man corner against elite receivers. Still, his knack for creating turnovers made him a perfect fit for the Chiefs.

Why the Chiefs Drafted Williams

The Kansas City Chiefs, coming off a rollercoaster 2024 season and a tough Super Bowl LIX, knew their secondary needed a boost. While stars like Trent McDuffie anchor the cornerback group, depth was a concern, especially after injuries and inconsistent play exposed vulnerabilities. Enter Nohl Williams, selected 85th overall in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Here’s why the Chiefs pounced on Williams:

• Turnover Machine: Williams’ seven interceptions in 2024 prove he’s a “ball hawk” who can flip games. The Chiefs, under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, thrive on forcing turnovers, and Williams fits their aggressive scheme.

• Special Teams Spark: His 80-yard kickoff return touchdown shows he can make an immediate impact in the return game, a critical area with the NFL’s new kickoff rules.

• Physicality and Speed: At 6-foot-1 with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash (clocked at 21.9 mph), Williams brings the size and speed to jam receivers at the line. His press coverage skills align with Kansas City’s defensive identity.

• Long-Term Potential: While not a day-one starter, Williams’ 3,300 college snaps give him a head start. With coaching from Andy Reid and Spagnuolo, he could develop into a cornerstone of the secondary.

Draft analyst Dane Brugler ranked Williams as the No. 10 cornerback in the 2025 class, projecting him as a third- or fourth-round steal. The Chiefs saw him as a high-upside pick who can contribute in sub-packages and special teams while growing into a bigger role.

Clearing the Air: No Jayhawks Connection

For Jayhawks fans hoping Williams was a basketball recruit, the reality is less glamorous but still exciting for Kansas sports. The Jayhawks are busy in the transfer portal, with names like Darrion Williams (no relation) floating as potential targets, but Nohl Williams is strictly a football guy. His signing with the Chiefs is a coup for Kansas City’s NFL squad, not the university’s basketball program.

The confusion highlights the passion of Kansas fans, who rally behind their teams with unmatched fervor. Whether you’re cheering for the Jayhawks’ March Madness runs or the Chiefs’ Super Bowl quests, Williams’ arrival is a win for the state’s football faithful.

What’s Next for Williams and the Chiefs?

Williams will join a Chiefs team aiming for a historic fourth Super Bowl title in five years. His immediate role will likely include nickel and dime packages, special teams, and learning from veterans like McDuffie. If he refines his footwork and adapts to the NFL’s speed, he could be a starter by 2026.

For now, Chiefs fans can dream of Williams picking off passes from Patrick Mahomes’ rivals, while Jayhawks fans can focus on their loaded basketball roster. The Kansas confusion may have sparked some laughs, but one thing’s clear: Nohl Williams is a name to watch in Kansas City.