Kansas Basketball Ranked 23rd in ESPN's Way-Too-Early Preseason Poll

Kansas basketball finds itself on uneven footing in national preseason discussions, with analysts divided on the 2026-27 squad. Despite four consecutive early exits in the NCAA Tournament, the Jayhawks secured the No. 23 spot in Jeff Borzello's July 'way-too-early' rankings for ESPN Source.

Roster Revamp and Freshman Hype

The Jayhawks' roster has undergone a complete overhaul, with all five starters from last season, including freshman phenom Darryn Peterson, departing. This creates a fresh slate but also significant uncertainty regarding team chemistry and overall performance.

According to Borzello, the key to Kansas's season will be freshman Tyran Stokes. He is not only the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class but also the projected No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft. Borzello describes Stokes as a "nightmare to stop with the ball in his hands," praising his strength, physicality, transition play, and point-forward abilities Source. Coach Bill Self is expected to give Stokes every opportunity to carry the offense, making him a central figure in fantasy drafts and betting lines.

Projected Starting Lineup and Key Players

Borzello projects the Kansas starting lineup to feature guards Leroy Blyden Jr. and Taylen Kinney alongside Stokes. Utah transfer Keanu Dawes and former Charleston center Christian Reeves are also expected to start. Wings Kohl Rosario and Dennis Parker Jr. are mentioned as potential contributors, likely off the bench.

The Mihailo Muiki Factor

It's important to note that these rankings were released before Kansas secured Serbian center Mihailo Muiki. If his NCAA eligibility waiver is approved, Muiki could significantly alter the team's dynamics by providing an experienced presence in the frontcourt Source. His inclusion could boost Kansas's performance, but his playing status remains TBD.

Conference Outlook and Betting Implications

Kansas is ranked as the second-lowest Big 12 team in Borzello's top 25, just above Iowa State. Last season, the Jayhawks finished third in the conference with a 12-6 league record and a 24-11 overall mark.

For bettors, the high roster turnover and reliance on a freshman star introduce both risk and opportunity. While Stokes's talent is undeniable, the team's ability to gel quickly will be crucial. Prop bets on Stokes's individual performance (points, assists, rebounds) could be highly volatile early in the season but potentially lucrative if he lives up to the hype.

For fantasy managers considering Saturday and Sunday lineup decisions, keeping an eye on early-season Kansas games will be vital. Stokes is a strong candidate for a high draft pick in college fantasy leagues, but the performances of players like Blyden Jr., Kinney, Dawes, and Reeves will dictate the team's overall fantasy output. Waiver wire activity around these secondary players could be significant as their roles become clearer.

The mixed national views reflect the inherent unpredictability of a heavily revamped roster led by a freshman. Only time will tell if Tyran Stokes and his supporting cast can break Kansas's recent string of early NCAA Tournament exits.