KU's Council Considering Seeking 6th Year of Eligibility

Jayhawks guard Melvin Council Jr. says he would 'love to come back' for another season at Kansas.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:23pm

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University of Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. is considering seeking a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA to play another season for the Jayhawks. Council, who is averaging 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season, his fifth year of college basketball, said he would 'love to come back' to KU for the 2026-27 season if he's granted the extra year of eligibility. However, Council acknowledged the NCAA has been 'frowning on waivers' for additional years of play, making the prospect uncertain.

Why it matters

Council has emerged as a fan favorite and key leader for the Jayhawks this season, helping lead a turnaround after some early losses. His potential return would be a major boost for the program as they look to build on this year's success and compete for another Big 12 title and NCAA Tournament berth.

The details

Council played at St. Bonaventure last season after one year at Wagner College and two seasons at Monroe College, making this his fifth full year of college basketball. The NCAA has become more stringent about granting waivers for additional years of eligibility, but Council said he would 'love to come back' to KU for another season if he's able to get approved.

  • Council is currently averaging 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in the 2026-27 season.
  • Council would need to apply for a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Melvin Council Jr.

A 6-foot-4 guard for the Kansas Jayhawks, averaging 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in his fifth year of college basketball.

Bill Self

The 23rd-year Hall of Fame head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who said he would 'love' for Council to return for another season but acknowledged the NCAA's stance on waivers.

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What they’re saying

“Would I love that? Absolutely.”

— Bill Self, Head Coach

“I would love to come back if I had another year. It's Kansas. Why not? You know ... Bill Self.”

— Melvin Council Jr.

What’s next

The NCAA will need to decide whether to grant Council a sixth year of eligibility for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Council's potential return would be a major boost for the Jayhawks, but the NCAA's recent stance on waivers makes the outcome uncertain. Kansas fans are hopeful Council can find a way to play one more season in Lawrence.