Kansas Basketball Climbs to No. 12 in KenPom After Utah Win

Jayhawks continue to rise in national rankings with strong defensive performance

Feb. 8, 2026 at 1:39pm

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The Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team has climbed to No. 12 in the latest KenPom rankings following a victory over the Utah Utes. The Jayhawks now sit behind only Arizona, Houston, and Iowa State among Big 12 teams in the national rankings.

Why it matters

Kansas' rise in the KenPom rankings indicates the team is playing at an elite level, with a strong defense leading the way. As the Jayhawks prepare to face off against the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats, this ranking puts them in position for a potential high NCAA Tournament seed.

The details

The Jayhawks' KenPom ranking of No. 12 nationally includes an offensive efficiency rating of 121.1 (43rd nationally) and a defensive efficiency rating of 93.5 (7th nationally). Their adjusted tempo of 66.9 ranks 200th nationally, while their strength of schedule is +14.13, good for 3rd nationally.

  • The Jayhawks defeated Utah on February 7, 2026.
  • The updated KenPom rankings were released on February 8, 2026.

The players

Darryn Peterson

A guard for the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team.

Flory Bidunga

A forward for the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team.

Tre White

A guard for the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team.

Terrence Brown

A guard for the Utah Utes men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“While there is still room for improvement, there is a clear difference from where Bill Self's group was just a month ago. A win over the Wildcats would almost certainly place the Jayhawks in KenPom's top 10 tomorrow.”

— Joshua Schulman

What’s next

The Jayhawks will face the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats in their next game, which could further boost their KenPom ranking if they are able to secure a victory.

The takeaway

Kansas' rise in the KenPom rankings demonstrates the team's strong defensive play and potential for a deep NCAA Tournament run. As they prepare to face the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats, the Jayhawks have positioned themselves as one of the elite teams in the country.