The Jayhawks reloaded with a strong recruiting class and key transfer additions, and now attention shifts to the 2025-26 campaign. The non-conference schedule offers no shortage of challenges:
Start of a new group for Coach Self
Monday, Nov. 3 vs. Green Bay
Doug Gottlieb brings his Phoenix to Lawrence. Green Bay struggled last season and while they should be improved, they will have a hard time slowing Kansas at Phog Allen Fieldhouse.
Friday, Nov. 7 at North Carolina
A rematch of a recent NCAA Tournament title game, this early-season showdown in Chapel Hill will provide a serious test for the Jayhawks in just their second game.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
The first of back-to-back tune-up games at home as Kansas prepares for a bigger challenge ahead.
Saturday, Nov. 15 vs. Princeton
Ivy League opponents often bring disciplined play, so Kansas will need to stay focused. The timing is tricky with a high-profile trip to New York City right after.
Tuesday, Nov. 18 vs. Duke (New York City)
Blue bloods collide in the Champions Classic. Kansas edged Duke by three last season, but Jon Scheyer’s team, despite losing talent, will still bring plenty of firepower.
Monday, Nov. 24 vs. Notre Dame (Las Vegas)
The first of three games in the Players Era Men’s Championship. Kansas faces Notre Dame at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Irish lead the all-time series 9-2, but the programs have not met since 1988.
Tuesday, Nov. 25 vs. Syracuse (Las Vegas)
The Jayhawks continue the Vegas tournament against Syracuse. The last meeting was in 2017 when Kansas won by 16.
Grind continues in December
Tuesday, Dec. 2 vs. UConn
Dan Hurley and the Huskies come to town as December opens. Kansas won the most recent matchup in 2023, the same year UConn went on to win the national championship. Kansas leads the all-time series 4-0.
Sunday, Dec. 7 vs. Missouri (Kansas City)
The Border War heats up again. Missouri dominated last year’s meeting, but Kansas still owns the rivalry with 125 wins in 272 games. This year’s battle will be played at a neutral site.
Saturday, Dec. 13 at NC State
New head coach Will Wade leads the Wolfpack. Kansas won last season’s game by 15 and has taken 13 of the 14 meetings all-time.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 vs. Towson
A pre-holiday matchup that comes during finals week. Expect Kansas to handle business before players head home for winter break.
Monday, Dec. 22 vs. Davidson
The final non-conference game before Christmas and before Big 12 play begins. Davidson will look to challenge Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse, but the Jayhawks should be favored.
Full of Challenges
Kansas doesn’t get much of a breather with this schedule, but that’s how Bill Self prefers it. The tests against North Carolina, Duke, UConn, and Missouri will show quickly if this retooled roster is ready to return the Jayhawks to national title contention. The fun starts October 17 with the "Midnight at The Phog" event, which is beloved in Lawrence.