As we inch closer to March, the college basketball landscape is starting to take shape-and in the Big 12, that means every game matters just a little bit more. For the Kansas Jayhawks, this season has been anything but smooth sailing, yet they’ve managed to stay relevant in the national conversation. And according to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, Kansas is still a team to watch, even if it’s from the outside looking in.
Jayhawks Labeled a “Long Shot” - But Not Out of the Picture
CBS Sports recently highlighted the updated national championship odds, and Kansas came in at 40-1. That’s not exactly contender territory, especially with teams like Houston, Florida, and BYU grabbing the spotlight at the top of the board. But those odds don’t tell the whole story-because the Jayhawks have one major X-factor that could change everything: Darryn Peterson.
Peterson, a freshman with a veteran’s poise and a scorer’s mentality, has been electric when he’s on the floor. He’s averaging 21.6 points per game in just 27.2 minutes of action-a staggering level of efficiency that speaks to just how dominant he can be. Guards like Peterson can swing entire games in March, and if he’s healthy, Kansas has the kind of player who can carry a team deep into the tournament.
That “if” is doing a lot of work right now, though. Peterson rolled his ankle in the Jayhawks’ recent 75-69 win over Colorado, and head coach Bill Self wasn’t ready to commit to a timeline during his Thursday media availability. His status remains uncertain, and given how much of Kansas’ ceiling depends on him, that’s a storyline worth tracking closely.
Kansas Battling Through Adversity in a Loaded Big 12
This year’s Kansas team has had to shuffle its starting five more than usual, and the results have been mixed-but context matters. The Jayhawks have already played eight Quad 1 games, a brutal stretch by any standard, and they’ve held their own.
That kind of schedule doesn’t just test a team-it reveals what it’s made of. And while the offense hasn’t always clicked, there’s been a clear identity forming on the defensive end.
Kansas currently ranks 32nd nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 67.6 points per game. That’s been the backbone of their success, especially with Peterson missing time.
Offensively, they’re averaging 77.8 points per game-128th in the country-but that number likely undersells what this group is capable of when fully healthy. With Peterson sidelined for over half the season, it’s fair to expect a boost if he returns to full strength.
The Road Ahead
In a conference as deep and unforgiving as the Big 12, Kansas doesn’t have the luxury of coasting. Every game is a test, and every win is earned.
But if Peterson can get back on the court and stay there, the Jayhawks could be one of those teams no one wants to see in March. They may not be a betting favorite right now, but they’ve got the kind of talent-and coaching pedigree-that makes them a dangerous out.
So while 40-1 odds might suggest a long shot, Kansas fans know better than to count this team out. The foundation is there.
The defense is legit. And if their star freshman is healthy when it matters most, the Jayhawks could be ready to make some noise when the lights are brightest.