Burkitt brings Kansas a hometown arm with strikeout juice
Maddox Burkitt is a Lawrence native and former Kansas 6A Pitcher of the Year who arrived at KU after two strong JUCO seasons and was praised by the staff for a slider that can miss bats. In his 2024 season at Johnson County CC, he went 1-0 with a 3.65 ERA, 39 strikeouts, four saves, and a .245 opponent average in 24.2 innings, and Kansas listed him among its No. 1-ranked JUCO signing class. He’s a competitive, high-upside righty whose local roots and strikeout ability make him a smart fit for a staff needing bullpen punch.
