The Kansas Jayhawks didn’t need Darryn Peterson to handle business in Manhattan - and that alone says a lot about where this team is heading. With their star freshman sidelined due to a sprained ankle, Kansas still rolled past Kansas State, 86-62, snapping a three-year drought in Manhattan and notching what felt like a statement win on the road.
This wasn’t just another conference victory. It was the kind of performance that signals a turning point.
After stumbling early in Big 12 play, especially away from Allen Fieldhouse, the Jayhawks went 2-0 on the road this past week, picking up wins over Colorado and Kansas State. And they did it with Peterson watching from the bench, nursing that ankle.
But the good news for Kansas fans? Head coach Bill Self believes his star freshman will be back in the lineup when the Jayhawks host BYU in a marquee matchup that’s already drawing national attention.
“I think they'll play,” Self said after the win over Kansas State, referring to Peterson’s availability for the BYU game. “I don't know for a fact, I'm not a doctor, but I think he'll play. That game will obviously mean a lot to a lot of people.”
And he’s right. That game isn’t just big - it’s massive.
College GameDay will be in Lawrence. Allen Fieldhouse will be rocking.
And we’ll get a front-row seat to one of the most anticipated freshman battles of the season: Darryn Peterson vs. AJ Dybantsa.
Peterson has been touted as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and for good reason. His blend of scoring, athleticism, and poise has made him must-watch basketball every time he steps on the floor.
But Dybantsa? He’s right there with him.
The BYU freshman just dropped 43 points on Utah - a new freshman scoring record for the Cougars - on 15-of-24 shooting. That wasn’t just a breakout game; that was a full-on announcement.
So now we’ve got two of the top young stars in the country set to square off in a ranked Big 12 clash with serious implications. It’s the kind of matchup NBA scouts circle on their calendars - and they’ll be in the building, no doubt.
Peterson’s injury has been a concern, but the timing of the schedule may have worked in Kansas’s favor. A week between games and the decision to hold him out against Kansas State could give him just enough time to get right. If he’s close to 100%, this duel with Dybantsa could live up to the hype - and then some.
This is more than just a No. 13 vs. No. 14 matchup.
It’s a glimpse into the future of basketball, played out on one of the sport’s most iconic stages. Buckle up - this one’s going to be special.