Kansas Basketball Is Still Must-Watch TV - And They're Heating Up at the Right Time
Let’s be honest - Kansas hasn’t always looked like the powerhouse we’ve come to expect this season. But even when they’ve stumbled, the Jayhawks have remained one of the biggest draws in college basketball. According to Nielsen data through January 18, KU ranks in the top 10 most-watched men’s programs in the country - and they’re the only Big 12 team on that list.
That’s not just a testament to their historic brand or Allen Fieldhouse’s mystique. It’s also a sign that fans believe this team still has something special brewing.
Here’s the full top 10 in viewership, per Nielsen:
- Michigan State (Big Ten)
- Duke (ACC)
- Arkansas (SEC)
- North Carolina (ACC)
- Kentucky (SEC)
- Kansas (Big 12)
- UCLA (Big Ten)
- Indiana (Big Ten)
- Tennessee (SEC)
- Wisconsin (Big Ten)
So, yes - the blue bloods are still dominating eyeballs, and Kansas is right there in the mix.
Chasing the Big 12 Crown
At 15-5 overall and 5-2 in Big 12 play, Kansas is right in the thick of the conference title race. Arizona is currently pacing the league, but the Jayhawks have reeled off four straight wins to close the gap and reinsert themselves into the conversation.
They’ve had to grind their way back into form. Early losses to UCF and West Virginia on the road had folks wondering if this KU squad had the consistency to contend. But since then, they’ve picked up key wins over Iowa State and in-state rival Kansas State, showing flashes of the toughness and balance that have defined Bill Self’s best teams.
And let’s not forget: their only loss at Allen Fieldhouse this season came in a non-conference battle with UConn - a heavyweight matchup that lived up to the hype.
Star Power on Display vs. BYU
Saturday’s upcoming clash with BYU is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the season - not just for what it means in the standings, but for the talent on the floor.
All eyes will be on the freshman showdown between Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa. Both are projected to be in the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and both have already shown they can take over games. Peterson, in particular, has been electric when healthy - a true three-level scorer with the kind of poise you don’t often see in first-year players.
But Peterson isn’t carrying the load alone.
Senior Melvin Council Jr. has been a steadying force for the Jayhawks, especially when Peterson has been limited. Council flirted with a triple-double in KU’s recent road win over Kansas State, and his versatility and leadership have been crucial during this mid-season surge. He’s the kind of veteran presence that can make the difference in a tight conference race - and he’ll be a key factor if Kansas wants to keep pace with Arizona and the rest of the Big 12’s top tier.
A Team Worth Watching - For More Than Just the Name
Kansas may not be steamrolling the competition like some past editions, but they’re evolving - and that evolution is worth watching. Between the emergence of a potential No. 1 pick, the impact of a seasoned senior leader, and a fan base that continues to show up in force, this team is building something.
The Jayhawks are still very much in the hunt for a Big 12 title. And if they keep trending upward, they might just be peaking at the right time - with the whole country watching.