Kansas will kick off the 2025-26 basketball season by hosting Green Bay on Monday, November 3. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Central time at Allen Fieldhouse and will be available to stream on ESPN+. Commentators for the broadcast will be Steven Davis and Nick Bahe.
Kansas and Green Bay Meet for the First Time
This matchup marks the first encounter between Kansas and Green Bay in their respective histories. Kansas, currently ranked No. 19, has a strong record of 52 consecutive victories in home openers, a streak that began in the 1973-74 season under coach Ted Owens. Notably, head coaches Larry Brown, Roy Williams, and Bill Self have never lost a home opener during their tenures at Kansas.
Exhibition Game Performances
Kansas completed its exhibition season with a flawless 2-0 record, highlighted by a 90-82 victory against No. 11 Louisville and a commanding 71-35 win against Fort Hays State. In the win against Fort Hays, senior Melvin Council Jr. was a standout, contributing 16 points and six assists. Senior Tre White added 12 points while redshirt-freshman Bryson Tiller chipped in 10 points. Sophomore Flory Bidunga led the team in rebounding with nine boards and also recorded three blocked shots.
Green Bay’s Preseason Results
On the other hand, Green Bay entered the matchup with a 1-1 record in exhibition play. They faced a tough loss against Bradley, 83-78, followed by a solid 75-48 win over St. Norbert.
Returning and New Players for Kansas
Kansas is coming off a 21-13 season, marking its 34th NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 35 years. The team finished sixth in the Big 12 Conference with an 11-9 record. Six players with prior experience return, including Bidunga, who started six games last season, and redshirt-sophomore Elmarko Jackson, who returns from injury. Additionally, Kansas welcomes eight newcomers to the roster, including Darryn Peterson, the nation’s top-rated recruit.
- Transfers:
- Melvin Council
- Jayden Dawson
- Nginyu “Gee” Ngala
- Tre White
- Freshmen:
- Darryn Peterson
- Kohl Rosario
- Paul Mbiya
- Bryson Tiller
- Samis Calderon
- Corbin Allen
Upcoming Game Against North Carolina
Following the opener against Green Bay, Kansas will face No. 25 North Carolina on Friday, November 7. The game will begin at 6 p.m. Central time, broadcasted on ESPN. Historically, Kansas holds a 7-6 edge in their series with North Carolina, having won their last five meetings.
