In the Coach Bill Self era, Kansas Basketball has historically played very tough non-conference schedules, including several teams ranked in the top-20. Last year was no different, playing teams such as Michigan State, Duke, North Carolina, Creighton, and rival Missouri.
The Jayhawks are one of the earlier teams to announce their non-con schedule for the 2025-26 season, including some more heavyweights. Based on the rosters, here’s a power ranking of the confirmed top opponents, not including the Players Era Festival.
Our Non-Con schedule is HERE 👀🗓️
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) June 4, 2025
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5. Missouri Tigers
The Jayhawks had won 9 out of 10 games in the “Border War” rivalry with Missouri until last year’s 76-67 defeat at Missouri. The Tigers do return starting forward Mark Mitchell (13.9 ppg and 4.7 rpg), along with key transfer pickups, Sebastian Mack (UCLA) and Jayden Stone (WVU).
4. NC State Wolfpack
It’s a new era at NC State, led by new HC, Will Wade. Kansas will face a familiar face in TTU transfer forward Darrion Williams. Transfer guards Tre Holloman (Michigan State), Quadir Copeland (McNeese State), and Terrance Arceneaux (Houston) are the key perimeter players to watch.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
UNC doesn’t have either RJ Davis or Elliott Cadeau in the backcourt anymore, but Colorado State transfer Kyan Evans and returning guard Seth Trimble are set to be the new focal points. 5-star freshman forward Caleb Wilson and Arizona transfer Caleb Wilson are the new key frontcourt pieces, with a roster that should be much more balanced than last season.
2. UConn Huskies
Two of the few active head coaches with national championships facing off is a great thing, as Coach Dan Hurley should have another top-10 caliber roster for next season. All-League forward Alex Karaban and Big East 6th Man of the Year Tarris Reed Jr. are back, along with Solomon Ball (14.4 ppg). Georgia transfer guard Silas Demary Jr. gives them another proven playmaker in the backcourt, giving them a potent starting lineup.
1. Duke Blue Devils
As usual, there’s a big roster change with Duke, losing many freshmen stars such as Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. However, there’s another incoming No. 1 recruiting class, led by Cameron and Cayden Boozer, along with top-tier international prospect Dame Sarr. We’ll see if the Blue Devils will be a title contender, but they’ll definitely be a big challenge for the Jayhawks next season.