Kansas highlights sprinkled across the Top 25 And 1 features mention several programs, but Darryn Peterson’s 26-point performance stands out as the central moment.

Bill Self lauded Peterson’s showing against Baylor, noting it reinforces why NBA evaluators view him as a top prospect despite earlier limited playing time due to soft-tissue injuries.

Peterson delivered a prime-time performance against Baylor, finishing with a game-high 26 on 11-for-13 shooting in 23 minutes to power Kansas to victory.

The piece places Peterson in a standout 2025-26 freshman class, comparing him with peers such as Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, and Kingston Fleming.

Kansas climbs to No. 18 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1, marking a two-game winning streak, while Arizona remains No. 1 for a seventh straight day.

Early-season numbers show Peterson averaging about 22.2 points per game on 50.4% shooting and 40.6% from three across nine games, fueling projections that he could be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Context notes that Peterson’s rise follows an earlier period of limited availability due to injuries, helping explain his late surge and current impact.