Returning players include Flory Bidunga, who has a strong chance to start after withdrawing from the transfer portal, and Shakeel Moore, who briefly considered transferring but ultimately chose to stay.

However, the team is also dealing with player departures, including AJ Storr's transfer to Ole Miss and Zach Clemence's move to Texas A&M, among others seeking new opportunities.

Kansas's recruiting efforts have been bolstered by the commitments of Peterson and Samis Calderon, ranked No. 73, who chose Kansas over offers from several top programs, adding much-needed depth to the forward position.

Excitement surrounds the arrival of Darryn Peterson, the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class and a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, who is being hailed as one of the best prospects in Kansas basketball history.

In terms of individual performance, Council averaged 14.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season, while Dawson contributed with 13.9 points and 3.1 rebounds.

Notably, stars such as Hunter Dickinson, Zeke Mayo, KJ Adams Jr., and Dajuan Harris Jr. will not be returning, with Mayo attempting to secure an extra year of eligibility through the transfer portal, although his chances appear slim.

To address the roster changes, Kansas has welcomed several transfers, including Melvin Council Jr. from St. Bonaventure, Tre White from Illinois, and Jayden Dawson from Loyola Chicago, all of whom bring valuable collegiate experience.

The upcoming 2025-26 Kansas basketball season signals a significant transition as head coach Bill Self gears up for a roster overhaul following the departure of several key players who have exhausted their eligibility.

The team will also miss the contributions of KJ Adams Jr., who suffered an Achilles injury during the tournament, and Dickinson, who averaged a double-double in his final season.

Last season was particularly challenging for the Jayhawks, as they failed to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year, ending their run with a loss to Arkansas.

Since winning the national title in 2022, Kansas has struggled in the NCAA Tournament, managing only two wins in the subsequent tournaments.

As competition intensifies within the Big 12, especially from teams like Houston and Texas Tech, there is mounting pressure on Kansas to enhance its NCAA Tournament performance.