Marina
The Big 12 remains one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and both Kansas (KU) and Kansas State (K-State) are preparing for a major push in the 2025–26 season.
With Bill Self returning to the sideline and Jerome Tang overseeing a roster overhaul, the Sunflower Showdown could once again determine the league race.
Kansas Jayhawks: new faces, same ambition
Kansas returns with a fresh, transfer-heavy roster anchored by players like Tre White (6’7″ guard/forward), Jayden Dawson (6’5″ guard) and Nginyu Ngala (5’10” graduate guard).
While the brand remains dominant—11 former Jayhawks opened the current NBA season on rosters—the team will need to address front-court depth and build cohesion quickly.
Expect athletic wings and improved perimeter creation, but early in the season the focus will be on adjusting roles and establishing rhythm.
Kansas State Wildcats: Tang’s guards set the tone
Kansas State introduced one of the deepest transformations in the Tang era: 4 returners and 10 newcomers, signaling a full-tilt retool.
The marquee addition is P.J. Haggerty, a 6’3″ guard who averaged roughly 21.7 points per game in his previous season and withdrew from the NBA draft to join the Wildcats.
Supporting transfers such as Nate Johnson, Khamari McGriff, Abdi Bashir Jr., and Tyreek Smith bolster size, shooting and length.
The early narrative: instant offense via the backcourt, wing versatility, with chemistry and defensive balance as key questions.
At-a-glance comparison
| Team | Head Coach | 2025–26 Roster Snapshot | Notable Additions | Early Narrative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | Bill Self (20th+) | Mix of freshmen + transfers; athletic wings, guard depth | Tre White, Jayden Dawson, Nginyu Ngala | High ceiling, but continuity and front-court depth must gel by January. |
| Kansas State | Jerome Tang (4th) | 4 returners, 10 newcomers; guard-centric build | P.J. Haggerty (21.7 PPG previous season), Nate Johnson, McGriff, Bashir, Smith | Instant offense with Haggerty; size upgraded; chemistry the early test. |
Big 12 outlook
With several conference rivals improving and non-conference slates tougher than ever, the path to league title contention is narrow.
Kansas will rely on Bill Self’s experience to unlock its roster’s potential; Kansas State aims to ride Haggerty’s offensive firepower and depth to surprise opponents.
The difference between a top-3 seed and a middle-of-the-pack finish may come down to how quickly the newcomers on each team gel, and how each program handles the grueling February road stretch.
What each program must nail
- Kansas: Define a clear primary initiator in late-game situations, improve rim protection and rebounding, and accelerate roster cohesion with so many new faces.
- Kansas State: Keep P.J. Haggerty’s efficiency high against elite defenses, settle front-court pairings for defense and boards, and develop a strong transition-and-turnover identity.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, both programs enter with clear aspirations and retooled personnel.
Kansas leans on Bill Self’s system to turn new pieces into a March-ready machine, while Kansas State bets on P.J. Haggerty’s star power and a deeper, longer rotation to climb the Big 12 standings.
If Kansas’s front-court solidifies and Kansas State’s chemistry clicks early, the Sunflower State may well host the league’s most compelling rivalry nights—once again.