We’re firmly into the holiday tournament schedule with the new blockbuster event kicking off Monday. The Players’ Era Festival returns for its second showing, bringing in a 12-team pool of national title contenders. Among those attending, Kansas and Notre Dame will face off in their first of two pool games as part of a shot for the $1 million prize.
Kansas (3-2) has not had its dream start to the season after back-to-back disappointing years that resulted in early NCAA tournament exits. The Jayhawks hitched their hopes for a deeper run to star freshman Darryn Peterson, but he will be out for the foreseeable future with injury. Kansas has played its last three games without the potential No. 1 pick, winning two of the three, but lost at the State Farm Championship Classic to Duke. Despite the result, Kansas battled the Blue Devils for most of the night before ultimately falling 77-68.
Micah Shrewsberry hopes year three is the one that gets Notre Dame (4-1) back on track after consecutive seasons missing the dance. The Fighting Irish beat up four mid-majors in the early season, but fell by one point in a true road game at Ohio State. Notre Dame is a holdover from last year’s Players’ Era lineup, aiming to pick up its first tournament win after three losses to Rutgers, Houston and Creighton.
Notre Dame vs. Kansas: When and Where
Date: Monday, November 24, 2025, 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV
Notre Dame vs. Kansas: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: TNT
Streaming: FuboTV
Notre Dame vs. Kansas: Betting Odds
Spread: Kansas Jayhawks -4.5, Notre Dame Fighting Irish +4.5
Moneyline: Kansas -225, Notre Dame +190
Total: 141.5
Notre Dame vs. Kansas: Series History
All-Time Series: Notre Dame leads 9-2
Last Meeting: Notre Dame 80, Kansas 76 (Jan. 23, 1988)
Projected Starting Lineups
Kansas Jayhawks
Flory Bidunga (16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg)
Tre White (14.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg)
Melvin Council Jr. (8.6 ppg, 5.8 apg)
Bryson Tiller (8.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg)
Kohl Rosario (7.8 ppg, 3.4 apg)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Markus Burton (19.4 ppg, 2.2 apg)
Jalen Haralson (12.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
Braden Shrewsberry (11.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg)
Carson Towt (7.6 ppg, 12.6 rpg)
Garrett Sundra (4.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
During Peterson’s absence Bidunga has shouldered a heavier load offensively while maintaining his position as the defensive anchor for the Jayhawks. The second-year player has been hyper efficient, but will need help from the perimeter players. Securing rebounds will be crucial for the Jayhawks against the Irish, which are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country. Haralson has lots of skill as a freshman forward with supreme passing abilities to support his veteran teammates.
The first meeting between these two teams in over 35 years can help move one closer toward a lofty prize. Can the Jayhawks do away with the experienced Fighting Irish to prove they’re more than a one-man show?