Where does ESPN’s latest bracketology place surging Kansas Jayhawks?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- KU rebounded from early Big 12 struggles to 6-game winning streak and regained momentum.
- ESPN bracketology projects Kansas as a No. 3 seed in the East, listed as weakest 3-seed.
- Lunardi counts seven Big 12 teams as projected NCAA Tournament qualifiers.
A lot has changed since the start of January for the KU basketball program.
When Kansas started Big 12 play, there was a real worry that the Jayhawks could be in jeopardy of fielding a low seed for the NCAA Tournament. Concern mounted after KU started Big 12 play 1-2 (11-5 overall).
KU’s second Big 12 loss was against West Virginia, prompting worry that KU could miss the Tournament altogether. Instead, KU hasn’t loss since and is currently on a six-game winning streak.
The latest win came Monday night, when the No. 11 Jayhawks (17-5, 7-2 Big 12) handed No. 13 Texas Tech its first home loss of the season.
The Jayhawks’ recent success is reflected in the latest NCAA Tournament projections.
Kansas is, as of Tuesday projected as a No. 3 seed, according to ESPN bracketology expert Joe Lunardi. The Jayhawks are ranked as the weakest of the three seeds, with Michigan State, Nebraska, and Purdue all ranking ahead of KU.
Lunardi’s newest bracket, released Tuesday, has KU in the East regional. According to Lunardi, KU is one of seven Big 12 teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament.
This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 5:46 PM with the headline "Where does ESPN’s latest bracketology place surging Kansas Jayhawks?."
