Former Kansas Basketball Forward Commits to Rival Missouri

Bryson Tiller's transfer from Kansas to Missouri sparks outrage among Jayhawk fans.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between two teams, with the players and court fragmented into overlapping planes of color and shape.Tiller's controversial transfer across the border fuels the heated rivalry between Kansas and Missouri.Kansas City Today

Former Kansas basketball forward Bryson Tiller has announced his intention to transfer to the University of Missouri, the rival of the Kansas Jayhawks. This is the first known instance in the 135-year history of the Border War rivalry that a Kansas men's basketball player has ever transferred across the border to Missouri, drawing significant backlash from Kansas fans.

Why it matters

The Kansas-Missouri rivalry is one of the most storied in college basketball, with the two schools having faced off for decades. Tiller's decision to leave Kansas for its biggest rival is seen as a major betrayal by many Jayhawk fans, who are known for their passionate support of the team.

The details

Tiller, who often struggled with the toughness and effort demanded by Kansas head coach Bill Self, decided to enter the transfer portal after the season. He cited his relationship with new Missouri head coach Dennis Gates as a primary reason for his decision to head to Columbia. Tiller is expected to receive a hostile reception when Missouri faces Kansas next season as part of the renewed 'Border Showdown' series.

  • Tiller announced his intention to transfer to Missouri live on The Field of 68 podcast on April 16, 2026.
  • Kansas and Missouri will face off for the final time during the 2026-27 season as part of the renewed 'Border Showdown' series.

The players

Bryson Tiller

A former forward for the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team who has decided to transfer to the rival Missouri Tigers.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team, known for his demanding coaching style.

Dennis Gates

The new head coach of the Missouri Tigers basketball team, who has had a long-standing relationship with Tiller.

Paul Mbiya

A backup big man for the Kansas Jayhawks who saw increased playing time over Tiller during the NCAA Tournament.

Jeff Goodman

A college basketball insider and host of The Field of 68 podcast, where Tiller announced his transfer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm extremely ready. I'm going to embrace it. I'm with the Mizzou Tigers. I'm excited to win, I'm excited to play with my teammates, and I'm excited to dominate overall.”

— Bryson Tiller, Former Kansas Basketball Forward

“He's been recruiting me since my freshman year of high school. So, we definitely had a good relationship, and I trust in him and the University of Missouri to do what needs to be done to win and get me to the next level.”

— Bryson Tiller, Former Kansas Basketball Forward

“Be ready to hear some boos when Missouri faces Kansas this year.”

— Jeff Goodman, College Basketball Insider

What’s next

The renewed 'Border Showdown' series between Kansas and Missouri will continue next season, with the two teams set to face off at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, at a to-be-determined date and time.

The takeaway

Bryson Tiller's decision to transfer from Kansas to its biggest rival, Missouri, has sparked outrage among Jayhawk fans, who see it as a major betrayal of the team and the storied Border War rivalry. This move is unprecedented in the 135-year history of the rivalry and will likely result in a hostile reception for Tiller when the two teams meet next season.