With top transfers beginning to choose their next schools, KU is still awaiting its first commitment of the portal cycle. Flory Bidunga wrapped up his recruitment Sunday with a commitment to Louisville, while players like Bryson Tiller are starting to narrow their lists of finalists.
All eyes remain on No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes, with a Monday visit to Kentucky likely serving as his final pitch before a decision. At the same time, 2027 five-star signee Javon Bardwell has yet to decide on reclassification.
Kohl Rosario appears on track to return to Lawrence next season, and there may be another surprise returnee in the mix. Regardless, Kansas needs to make a splash in the portal—and soon.
Let’s take a closer look at four players who could realistically suit up for the Jayhawks next season.
Terrence Hill Jr.
After scoring 51 points through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament—highlighted by a career-high 34-point performance in a comeback against North Carolina—the VCU transfer is set to visit Kansas (Monday) and Tennessee (Wednesday) this week.
After a breakout sophomore campaign, Hill Jr. earned Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player honors while leading the Rams in scoring. He averaged 15.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 37.0% from three-point range. The 6-foot-3 guard from Portland, Oregon, is a three-level scorer who provides instant offense. He posted one of the highest offensive ratings in the country this season, ranking 12th in Division I.
An elite shooter, he hit 47% of his catch-and-shoot threes. He pairs that scoring with strong ball security—ranking in the 93rd percentile in assist-to-turnover ratio—and brings defensive intensity, creating turnovers that fuel transition opportunities.
With the Volunteers serving as the Jayhawks’ main competition, Bill Self will look to lock down the scoring guard before his Tennessee visit.
Terrence Brown
Brown plans to visit North Carolina on Monday and is expected in Lawrence shortly after. While he could decide before then, he remains a realistic option and is in contact with Bill Self.
The 6-foot-3 Minneapolis native averaged 19.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals this season for the Utes. While exploring the NBA Draft process, he is expected to return to college. A downhill scorer with an aggressive, drive-first mentality, he also brings defensive value, finishing among the Big 12 leaders in steals.
Along with Kansas and North Carolina, Kentucky, Oregon, USC, and Ole Miss are reportedly in the mix for the incoming senior, according to Jeff Goodman.
DeSean Goode
The Horizon League Player of the Year is set to visit Kansas on Monday following a breakout season with the Robert Morris Colonials. Goode took a major leap as a sophomore, averaging 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 62.9% from the field.
The 6-foot-8 forward from West Virginia had an ultra-efficient season, ranking in the 99th percentile in true shooting percentage. While he is also a capable three-point shooter (57.1%), he makes his living around the rim and is one of the best rebounders in the nation. Additionally, he gets to the free-throw line at a high rate thanks to his physical presence in the paint.
Other teams in the mix for Goode include Kentucky, NC State, Oklahoma, and St. John’s. One of the top mid-major transfers in the country, he would be a huge addition for Bill Self and the Jayhawks if they are able to land him.
Anton Bonke
The Charlotte transfer center has started gaining traction among coaches around the country. The 7-foot-2 giant from Vanuatu is a potential under-the-radar candidate for the Jayhawks.
Averaging 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 57.6% from the field this season, Bonke is a strong physical presence in the paint. In addition to being one of the best offensive rebounders in the country, he is a natural rim protector known for his mobility and soft touch around the basket despite his size. He projects strong developmental upside and would thrive in Bill Self’s pick-and-roll schemes.
Along with Kansas, Michigan State and UCLA are expected to be in the mix for Bonke. The Jayhawks are likely to host him for a visit in the coming weeks.
With these four names emerging over the past week, Bill Self’s transfer portal targets continue to shift. New names could emerge in the coming days, but for now, these are among the primary candidates to take seriously.
Which players do you want to see suiting up for the Jayhawks next season?
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