Kansas Basketball Aims for Strong Finish

Jayhawks look to lock up Big 12 title and secure NCAA Tournament seeding

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Kansas Jayhawks basketball team is riding an eight-game winning streak and sits behind Arizona and Houston in the Big 12 standings. To strengthen their chances in the NCAA Tournament, the Jayhawks have three key objectives to accomplish in the final month of the regular season: build consistency from role players Tre White and Bryson Tiller, get star player Darryn Peterson back to 100% health, and secure at least one more marquee road win.

Why it matters

Kansas is aiming for a deep NCAA Tournament run and a potential national championship, so solidifying their roster, getting their best player healthy, and picking up quality road wins will be crucial to their postseason success. The Jayhawks have been dominant at home but need to prove they can win tough games away from Allen Fieldhouse as well.

The details

White has struggled with his shooting and getting to the free-throw line lately, while Tiller has been inconsistent in his production. Getting those two role players to provide more reliable scoring and rebounding will make the Jayhawks a more complete team. Star guard Darryn Peterson has missed 11 games this season due to various injuries and illnesses, and the Jayhawks need him healthy and available for March Madness. Kansas has already picked up a big road win at Texas Tech, and they'll have chances to add another marquee road victory at Iowa State and a rematch at Arizona.

  • Kansas is currently riding an eight-game winning streak that began last month.
  • Peterson has now missed 11 games this season and two in conference play, with his most recent absence coming on Monday against Arizona.
  • This weekend, Kansas will travel to Ames to take on Iowa State, a chance to pick up another quality road win.
  • Later this month, the Jayhawks will head to Arizona for a rematch with the Wildcats.

The players

Tre White

A starting guard for Kansas who has seen his numbers drop significantly during the team's winning streak, including a decline in 3-point shooting percentage and free-throw attempts.

Bryson Tiller

A starting forward for Kansas who has had some strong performances but has also disappeared at times, averaging just 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds on 40.6% shooting through the first six Big 12 games.

Darryn Peterson

The projected No. 1 overall NBA draft pick and one of the best players in college basketball, who has missed 11 games this season due to injuries and illnesses.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team.

Melvin Council Jr.

A key member of the Jayhawks' starting lineup and core group of players.

Flory Bidunga

Another important player in the Jayhawks' starting lineup and core group.

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What they’re saying

“Once White and Tiller can be relied upon for consistent production, this Jayhawks squad will become significantly more dangerous, as White's savviness and Tiller's low-post scoring cannot be replaced.”

— Joshua Schulman, Author (si.com)

“As frustrating as it may be for Jayhawk fans and the team, they will have to stick with him through it all. Peterson is the projected No. 1 pick in the draft and one of the best players in college basketball.”

— Joshua Schulman, Author (si.com)

What’s next

This weekend, Kansas will travel to Ames to take on Iowa State, a chance to pick up another quality road win. Later this month, the Jayhawks will head to Arizona for a rematch with the Wildcats.

The takeaway

Kansas is in a strong position to make a deep NCAA Tournament run, but they need to shore up some inconsistencies from role players, get their star player fully healthy, and prove they can win tough road games against top competition. If they can accomplish those objectives, the Jayhawks will solidify their case as a top seed and legitimate national title contender.