Hailey
Kansas Jayhawks officially open Big 12 conference play on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with a challenging road game at UCF in Orlando, Florida.
The game will be played at Addition Financial Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Central Time (2:00 p.m. Eastern) and streamed on Peacock.
Kansas enters the matchup ranked No. 17 nationally with a 10–3 overall record, while UCF Knights come in red-hot at 11–1, riding a 10-game winning streak. This early conference clash immediately puts pressure on both teams in what is widely considered one of the toughest leagues in college basketball.
Game Importance And Big 12 Context
Starting Big 12 play on the road is never easy, and Kansas faces a confident UCF squad that has turned its home court into a difficult place for visitors.
With the Big 12 packed with ranked teams and limited margin for error, a win on Saturday could provide a major confidence boost for either side.
Kansas is coming off a dominant 90–61 win over Davidson before the holiday break, extending a four-game winning streak. UCF last defeated Florida Atlantic 85–80, continuing its impressive early-season run.
The all-time series slightly favors Kansas, which leads 3–1 overall and has won the last three meetings. The teams are 1–1 in Orlando, adding intrigue to this matchup.
Kansas Team Overview
Kansas has built its identity around elite defense and balanced scoring. The Jayhawks are averaging 75.8 points per game while allowing just 36.6% shooting from the field, one of the best defensive marks in the nation.
They also hold opponents to 25.2% from three-point range and average 6.2 blocked shots per game, ranking among the national leaders in both categories.
Offensively, Kansas relies on multiple contributors rather than a single scorer. Darryn Peterson leads the team with 19.3 points per game, while Flory Bidunga adds 14.7 points and 9.2 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends.
Tre White contributes 14.5 points and 7 rebounds, and Melvin Council Jr. provides stability at guard with 67 assists and an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio.
UCF Team Overview
UCF has quickly emerged as one of the most dangerous shooting teams in the country. The Knights are connecting on 39.8% of their three-point attempts, placing them among the national leaders. They have shown the ability to score in bunches, including games with double-digit made threes.
Despite heavy roster turnover from last season, UCF has developed strong chemistry. Themus Fulks, Riley Kugel, Jordan Burks, and Jamichael Stillwell all average between 12 and 14 points per game, giving the Knights consistent scoring across the lineup. Fulks also averages 7.2 assists, serving as the offensive engine.
UCF’s size stands out, featuring 7-foot-2 John Bol along with multiple 6-foot-9 forwards, helping the Knights excel in offensive rebounding. However, interior defense remains an area Kansas may look to exploit.
Key Matchups To Watch
The biggest battle will be Kansas’ defense vs UCF’s three-point shooting. If Kansas can close out shooters and control the defensive glass, it will limit UCF’s biggest strengths.
On the other side, UCF will aim to push tempo, stretch the floor, and force Kansas into uncomfortable matchups away from the rim.
Game Snapshot
| Category | Kansas | UCF |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 10–3 | 11–1 |
| Ranking | No. 17 | Unranked |
| Winning Streak | 4 games | 10 games |
| Points Per Game | 75.8 | High-scoring offense |
| Three-Point Shooting | Defensive strength | 39.8% |
| Venue | Addition Financial Arena | Addition Financial Arena |
| TV / Streaming | Peacock | Peacock |
Kansas begins Big 12 conference play facing one of its toughest early tests on the road against a confident UCF team. The Jayhawks’ defensive discipline, rebounding, and depth will be critical in slowing down the Knights’ explosive shooting.
If Kansas controls the pace and limits open threes, it has a strong chance to start league play with a valuable road win.
For UCF, a victory would send a clear message that the Knights are ready to compete at the top level of the Big 12.