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Houston Cougars Look to Halt Skid Against Kansas Jayhawks
Big Monday clash at Phog Allen Fieldhouse could reshape Big 12 standings
Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:48pm
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Big Monday brings a heavyweight clash to Lawrence as the Houston Cougars, coming off back-to-back losses, invade Phog Allen Fieldhouse to face the Kansas Jayhawks, who are also looking to bounce back from a recent defeat. This game could have major implications on the top of the Big 12 standings.
Why it matters
Both teams are looking to regain their footing after rare recent losses. Houston has dropped three of its last 10 games, including setbacks at Texas Tech and Iowa State, while Kansas was stunned at home by Cincinnati. This matchup between two top contenders in the Big 12 could reshape the conference standings and national perception of these programs.
The details
Houston enters the game 23-4 overall, while Kansas is also coming off a loss. The Cougars have been one of the most disciplined and defensive-minded teams in the country this season, starting the same lineup in every game. Kansas, meanwhile, is determined to avoid consecutive home defeats, especially on Big Monday. This will be the fifth all-time meeting between the programs, with Houston holding a 3-1 advantage in the series.
- The game will be played on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. CT.
- Following Monday's matchup, Houston returns home to host Colorado on Saturday and Baylor on March 4 before closing the regular season March 7 at Oklahoma State.
- After facing Houston, Kansas travels to Arizona, then Arizona State, before finishing the regular season at home against rival Kansas State.
The players
Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars are one of the most disciplined and defensive-minded teams in the country this season, rolling out the same starting lineup in every game.
Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks are determined to avoid consecutive home defeats, especially on Big Monday, after recently losing at home to Cincinnati.
Kelvin Sampson
The head coach of the Houston Cougars, known for his team's continuity and trust.
Bill Self
The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, looking to get his team back on track after the recent inconsistency.
What they’re saying
“We must find a way to get back on track and defend our home court pride on Big Monday.”
— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks
“Despite the recent dip, we remain one of the most disciplined and defensive-minded teams in the country. We're ready for the challenge at Phog Allen Fieldhouse.”
— Kelvin Sampson, Head Coach, Houston Cougars
What’s next
The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a top spot in the Big 12 standings, while the loser will have some ground to make up in the final weeks of the regular season.
The takeaway
This matchup between two of the top teams in the Big 12 has major implications on the conference race and national perception of these programs. Both Houston and Kansas are looking to bounce back from recent losses, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash on Big Monday.
