Marina
Kansas coach Bill Self walks into the 2025–26 season admitting there’s real uncertainty about how the Kansas Jayhawks will look when the lights come on.
At Big 12 Media Days, Self called this year’s “unknown” both challenging and refreshing, noting KU isn’t entering as the league favorite and must learn on the fly with a retooled roster.
Where Kansas Stands in the Big 12 & Nationally
In the Big 12 preseason coaches’ poll, Kansas was picked 6th, while Houston was the overwhelming favorite.
KU’s phenom freshman Darryn Peterson was named preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year, underscoring how central he is to the team’s ceiling. KU also opens the year ranked around No. 19 in national preseason rankings.
The Tentative Look: Self’s Early Lineup & Style Notes
Ahead of an exhibition road game at Louisville, Self floated a probable starting five: Darryn Peterson, Melvin Council Jr., Kohl Rosario, Tre White, and Flory Bidunga.
Self emphasized that the group could evolve, but the mix highlights KU’s blend of a top-tier freshman, veteran portal pieces, and a returning athletic rim presence in Bidunga.
He also hinted this version of Kansas could be more athletic than last year—but wants to see the maturity level rise quickly.
Peterson’s Spotlight & the Fresh Faces
Self and KU vets have been stress-testing Peterson in practice—physically and mentally—because they know the team will go as far as he can take them.
Teammates describe him as unusually poised for 18, able to “slow the game down” and create offense against pressure. Expect lineups built to maximize his shot creation with spacing from wings like Rosario and experience from Council and White.
Depth Pieces & What to Watch
Behind the starters, Elmarko Jackson (returning redshirt sophomore), Jayden Dawson, Bryson Tiller, Paul Mbiya, and Samis Calderon headline a bench that will sort itself out as roles crystallize. The staff also expects everyone to be healthy for the exhibition.
Early non‐conference tests follow, with a Nov. 3 home opener versus Green Bay and heavyweight showdowns (UNC, Duke, UConn, Mizzou, NC State) sprinkled through the slate—ideal measuring sticks for identity building.
Snapshot- Kansas 2025–26 at a Glance
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Coach | Bill Self, 23rd season |
| Preseason Big 12 Rank | 6th (with Peterson = Freshman of the Year) |
| Probable Starters (Exhibition) | Peterson, Council Jr., Rosario, White, Bidunga |
| X-Factor | Peterson’s shot creation & poise vs. high-major defenders |
| Style Tweaks | Aim to be more athletic, faster in space; maturity & turnovers under watch |
| Key Dates | Oct 24 at Louisville (exh.), Nov 3 home opener vs Green Bay |
What It All Means
For once, Kansas isn’t carrying the Big 12’s heaviest expectations—but the ceiling remains high.
If Peterson plays like a top pick, Bidunga levels up in an expanded role, and the transfers mesh defensively and in late-game execution, KU’s mid-pack preseason slot could look way too low by February.
The identity will form in real time—starting with how the Jayhawks look under the Louisville lights.
The 2025–26 Kansas Jayhawks embody promise wrapped in uncertainty. Bill Self is embracing the “unknown” as he blends a blue-chip freshman with battle-tested transfers and a high-ceiling big in Flory Bidunga.
Early matchups—beginning with Louisville—will reveal whether KU’s newfound athleticism, defensive cohesion, and late-game poise can turn a middle-of-the-pack projection into a March contender.