Kansas Surging at the Right Time, Climbs to Four-Seed in Latest Bracketology
Kansas is starting to look like Kansas again.
In Joe Lunardi’s latest Bracketology update, the Jayhawks have climbed two spots and now sit as a projected No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. It’s their highest placement of the season, and it comes with a potential first-round matchup against North Dakota State in Philadelphia.
This isn’t just about numbers on a bracket. It’s about a team that’s rediscovering its identity-and doing it when it matters most.
A Four-Game Statement
Kansas’ recent rise is fueled by a four-game win streak that’s as impressive as any stretch we’ve seen from them this season. The Jayhawks knocked off then-No. 2 Iowa State, took care of Baylor, handled business on the road at Colorado, and then dismantled in-state rival Kansas State in a rivalry game that carried more weight than usual.
That Sunflower Showdown win? It ended a three-year home win streak for the Wildcats and came with just seven players available for Kansas.
That’s grit. That’s depth.
That’s what March-ready teams are made of.
Council and Jackson Step Up
With Darryn Peterson sidelined, Kansas has leaned heavily on Melvin Council Jr., and he’s responded like a veteran. The St.
Bonaventure transfer poured in 17 points against Kansas State and has now scored in double figures in four of the last five games. He’s also shooting over 40% from the field in back-to-back outings, giving the Jayhawks a reliable presence on the wing when they’ve needed it most.
Then there’s Elmarko Jackson, who broke out in a big way. The sophomore guard had been averaging just five points per game heading into Saturday, but he erupted for 19 points and five rebounds against Kansas State.
He shot a blistering 71% from the floor-his first double-digit scoring effort since early December against UConn. If Jackson can sustain even a portion of that production, Kansas’ backcourt becomes a lot more dangerous down the stretch.
Big 12 Battle Heating Up
The Jayhawks are now locked in a three-way tie for fourth in the Big 12 with No. 8 Iowa State and No.
13 BYU. The Cyclones are holding steady as a projected No. 2 seed, while BYU shares the four-line with Kansas on the other side of the bracket.
At the top, Arizona continues to lead the pack. The Wildcats are projected as the No. 1 overall seed and remain one of just three unbeaten teams in the country, along with No.
5 Nebraska and No. 24 Miami (Ohio).
Texas Tech and Houston are lurking just behind Arizona in the seed lines, with the Red Raiders actually outranking No. 10 Houston in conference play.
Texas Tech is also one of six Big 12 teams still unbeaten at home during conference play-a stat that could loom large as the schedule tightens.
The Road Ahead
Kansas has three games circled on the calendar-matchups that could define their seeding outlook heading into March. First up is a massive showdown at home against BYU. Then comes a Valentine’s Day trip to Ames to face Iowa State, followed by a late-February clash with Houston.
Losses to Texas Tech and Arizona-both on the road-aren’t red flags, but they do add weight to the remaining schedule. With the Big 12 Tournament approaching, Kansas doesn’t just want to be playing well. They want to be peaking.
And right now, they’re trending in the right direction.