Kansas Basketball Players Weigh Transfer Decisions

Predicting which Jayhawks will stay or leave for the transfer portal this offseason

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the offseason ramps up, several Kansas basketball players will have to decide whether to return to Lawrence or explore other opportunities in the transfer portal. The Jayhawks have already lost significant talent to the portal in recent years, and this year could see more departures, including potential NBA draft entrant Flory Bidunga. Other key players like Bryson Tiller, Elmarko Jackson, and Kohl Rosario are also weighing their options.

Why it matters

Kansas is a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, but the transfer portal has become an increasing challenge for the program. Retaining top talent is crucial for the Jayhawks to maintain their status as an elite team, so the decisions of these players will have a major impact on the roster and the team's outlook for next season.

The details

Flory Bidunga, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, is strongly considering declaring for the NBA Draft after a breakout sophomore season. Bryson Tiller, a redshirt freshman, is expected to return and could earn a starting spot at power forward. Elmarko Jackson and Kohl Rosario, both highly touted recruits who have struggled to find their footing at Kansas, are likely to enter the transfer portal and seek opportunities elsewhere. Paul Mbiya and Jamari McDowell are expected to remain with the Jayhawks, providing depth and defensive intensity off the bench.

  • Bidunga nearly left Kansas last offseason and is now weighing his options between the NBA Draft and potentially transferring to another school.
  • Tiller had a strong finish to the season and could be promised a starting role if he returns to Kansas next year.
  • Jackson and Rosario have both had underwhelming tenures at Kansas, leading to speculation that they will explore transfer opportunities.

The players

Flory Bidunga

A dominant rim protector who was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Bidunga is considering declaring for the NBA Draft or potentially transferring to another school.

Bryson Tiller

A redshirt freshman who earned a spot in the starting rotation this season, Tiller is expected to return to Kansas and could be a key piece in the frontcourt next year.

Elmarko Jackson

A former McDonald's All-American who has struggled to find his footing at Kansas, Jackson is likely to enter the transfer portal and seek a fresh start at another program.

Kohl Rosario

A high-potential wing player who showed flashes of promise this season, Rosario may decide to transfer in search of more consistent playing time.

Paul Mbiya

A raw but intriguing big man who played well in the NCAA Tournament, Mbiya could earn a larger role at Kansas next season.

Jamari McDowell

A long-tenured Jayhawk who has been a steady bench contributor, McDowell is expected to remain at Kansas and continue his role as a defensive-minded reserve.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Kansas coaching staff will work to convince key players like Bidunga, Tiller, and Mbiya to remain in Lawrence, while also preparing for potential departures of Jackson and Rosario. The decisions of these players will have a significant impact on the Jayhawks' roster and their outlook for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The transfer portal has become a major challenge for Kansas, as the program has lost significant talent in recent years. Retaining core players like Bidunga, Tiller, and Mbiya will be crucial for the Jayhawks to maintain their status as an elite college basketball program, while managing the departures of players like Jackson and Rosario who have struggled to find their footing in Lawrence.