Jayhawks Lose Six Players to Transfer Portal After Season

Kansas basketball faces roster overhaul as players seek new opportunities elsewhere

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:41am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a college basketball game, with the bright colors of the Kansas Jayhawks' uniforms visible among the overlapping planes.The Kansas Jayhawks face a roster overhaul as six players depart the program through the transfer portal.Kansas City Today

The Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team saw a significant exodus of players entering the NCAA transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. A total of six Jayhawks - Flory Bidunga, Bryson Tiller, Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell, Samis Calderon, and Paul Mbiya - have all decided to leave the program and continue their careers at other schools.

Why it matters

The loss of six scholarship players is a major blow to the Jayhawks, who will need to quickly rebuild their roster through the transfer portal and recruiting. The departures create significant holes in the team's frontcourt and backcourt rotations, putting pressure on head coach Bill Self to find suitable replacements.

The details

Of the six players who entered the portal, two have already committed to other schools. Flory Bidunga, a promising young forward, has transferred to Louisville, while Bryson Tiller has decided to join in-state rival Missouri. The other four players - Jackson, McDowell, Calderon, and Mbiya - are still weighing their options, though reports indicate Mbiya may ultimately return to Kansas.

  • The six players entered the NCAA transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
  • Bidunga and Tiller have already announced their new school commitments.
  • Kansas is still in negotiations with Mbiya about a potential return to the program.

The players

Flory Bidunga

A former starting forward for the Jayhawks, Bidunga has transferred to Louisville.

Bryson Tiller

A key bench player for Kansas, Tiller has committed to play for rival Missouri next season.

Elmarko Jackson

A reserve guard who played 17.8 minutes per game, Jackson is transferring to Georgetown.

Jamari McDowell

Another reserve guard who averaged 17.2 minutes per game, McDowell will continue his career at Wake Forest.

Samis Calderon

The Jayhawk with the least playing time of the group, Calderon has committed to Butler.

Paul Mbiya

The 7'0" center's future remains uncertain, as Kansas is still in negotiations for a potential return.

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What they’re saying

“We must respect the decisions of these young men to explore other opportunities. Our focus now shifts to building a competitive roster for next season.”

— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks

What’s next

Kansas is reportedly pursuing several other transfer portal targets, including Cincinnati's 7'2" center Moustapha Thiam and Charlotte's 7'2" center Anton Bonke, as they look to rebuild their frontcourt rotation.

The takeaway

The mass exodus of players from the Kansas basketball program highlights the increasing fluidity of the modern college game, where top talents can easily transfer in search of more playing time or better fits. Coach Self and his staff will need to work quickly to replenish the roster and remain competitive in the Big 12 Conference.