The Kansas Jayhawks will open their 2025-26 season at Phog Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence against the Green Bay Phoenix. Both teams are looking for a fresh start after frustrating 2024-25 campaigns.
Green Bay Looks to Build in Year Two Under Gottlieb
Green Bay enters the season after winning just four games in Doug Gottlieb’s first year as head coach, finishing 11th in the Horizon League. The Phoenix last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2016 under Linc Darner, when they went 23-12 and lost in the first round. They have not captured a Horizon League regular season title since Brian Wardle led them to one in 2013-14.
Offense was a major issue last season. Green Bay averaged only 69.9 points per game while allowing over 80. Roy Anthony, who appeared in just 11 games, led the team with 25.7 points per game. Marcus Hall added 13.9 per contest, and Jeremiah Johnson averaged 10.5.
Of those three, only Hall returns. The 6’6 junior from Schofield, Wisconsin, is expected to lead the offense after averaging nearly 34 minutes per game last year. Hall shot 42.4 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from three-point range, scoring in double figures in 23 of 31 games.
Gottlieb will look for a boost from 6’8 freshman Vukasin Todorovic, a native of Slovenia who brings needed size and interior scoring potential. Other newcomers include Keegan Van Kauwenberg, Trey Schachter, Brady Fitzgerald, and Mauran Cicic of Montenegro.
Kansas Begins the Year Ranked and Rebuilt
On the other side, Kansas enters ranked 19th after going 21-13 and exiting in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a 79-72 loss to Arkansas. The Jayhawks finished sixth in the Big 12 at 11-9.
Head coach Bill Self, now past 600 wins at Kansas and 836 overall, continues to be the face of the program. Under Self, the Jayhawks have won 20 or more games every season, and expectations remain sky-high despite major roster turnover.
Kansas lost several key contributors, including Hunter Dickinson (17.4 ppg), Zeke Mayo (14.6 ppg), KJ Adams, and Dajuan Harris Jr. Only Flory Bidunga, Melvin Council Jr., and Elmarko Jackson return from last year’s rotation, leaving plenty of room for new stars to emerge.
The centerpiece of the new-look Jayhawks is freshman guard Darryn Peterson. The 6’6 Ohio native is already projected as a potential top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and will handle a large share of the offensive load. Kansas also welcomes promising freshman Kohl Rosario from Miami and transfer Tre White via the portal.
How to Watch the Season Opener
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. CST
Venue: Phog Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
TV: ESPN+
Streaming: ESPN app, Hulu, or Disney+ with an ESPN+ subscription
UW Green Bay record: 0-0
Kansas record: 0-0
UW Green Bay vs. Kansas Odds and Betting Lines
(Odds via Fanatics Sportsbook)
Moneyline
UW Green Bay: +3500
Kansas: -10000
Spread
UW Green Bay: +28.5
Kansas: -28.5
Total: 152.5 (Over -110 / Under -110)
Oddsmakers aren’t expecting a close one in Lawrence, with Kansas listed as a massive favorite to start the season.
UW Green Bay vs. Kansas Prediction and Pick
Doug Gottlieb’s Phoenix should show improvement in year two, but this opener presents a steep challenge. The young Green Bay roster will struggle to keep pace with Kansas’ length, speed, and athleticism. Expect the Jayhawks to dominate from the opening tip, with Peterson making a strong first impression in front of the home crowd.
Prediction: Kansas 91, Green Bay 51