From Ypsilanti to Lawrence, the defensive tackle earns his Power Four opportunity after a breakout run at Grand Valley State and looks to make an early impact in Kansas’ interior rotation.
LAWRENCE, Kan. - For Ypsilanti, Michigan native Jibriel Conde, the journey to the Big 12 has been built one step at a time - from local high school standout to Division II disruptor, and now to a Power Four defensive lineman preparing to take the field for the University of Kansas this fall.
Conde, a 6-foot-5, 295-pound defensive tackle, joins the Jayhawks after a strong run at Grand Valley State University, where he developed into one of the more reliable interior defenders in the GLIAC. In the 2025 season, he totaled 30 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, earning All-Conference honors for his impact in the trenches.
A Steady Climb
What stands out most about Conde’s path isn’t just the production - it’s the climb. After starting his college career outside the Power Four spotlight, he steadily worked his way into a bigger opportunity, eventually earning a chance to compete at Kansas.
His decision to head to Lawrence came down to trust and fit, with Conde pointing to the coaching staff’s vision and the defensive line room as key reasons for making the move.
Roots in Ypsilanti
Back home in Ypsilanti, Conde first made a name for himself at Lincoln High School, where coaches quickly noticed his combination of size, effort, and natural strength. He wasn’t just bigger than most offensive linemen he faced - he played with a motor that made him hard to keep out of the backfield.
That identity has followed him through college, shaping his reputation as a physical, high-effort defensive presence.
Opportunity at Kansas
Now, he steps into a Kansas program that is trying to build more consistency and toughness up front. Conde is expected to compete for meaningful rotational snaps early, giving the Jayhawks another interior presence capable of collapsing pockets and helping slow down Big 12 run games.
His size allows him to line up across multiple spots on the defensive front, something the coaching staff values as it mixes looks and adjusts to different offenses.
Adjusting to the Next Level
The transition won’t be simple. The jump from Division II to Power Four football means faster linemen, sharper blocking schemes, and less room for error on every snap.
But Conde’s game has always been rooted in fundamentals - leverage, hand strength, and effort - traits that tend to translate when the speed of the game increases.
Built Through Development
Kansas has leaned heavily on the transfer portal to reshape its roster in recent years, especially in the trenches, where development time is limited and immediate impact is often needed. Conde fits that mold: an experienced player who isn’t new to college football, but is new to this level of competition.
His progression reflects a player who has earned each step through consistency and development rather than shortcuts.
Beyond Football
Off the field, Conde is just as focused on structure as he is on football. He is pursuing a biochemistry degree with long-term plans of becoming a dentist - a demanding academic path that reflects the same discipline he brings to his preparation on game days and in the weight room.
A Bigger Picture at Kansas
For Kansas, his arrival is another piece in a broader effort to get more physical up front. For Conde, it’s a chance to prove that steady development and patience can still lead to big-stage opportunities.
And for a player who has been steadily building his career since his days in Ypsilanti, the next step is simple: show he belongs - and make the most of it once he gets there.
