Despite producing an undefeated record in this season’s Players Era, the Kansas Jayhawks will be spending their Thanksgiving Eve battling for 3rd place. It doesn’t help when its against the No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers.
The Jayhawks found two relatively secure victories against ACC sides Notre Dame (71-61) and Syracuse (71-60). Both had moments of insecurity where perhaps a slightly more talented team could take advantage of the scoring droughts that a Darryn Peterson and Jayden Dawson-less team produced.
Yet, in the end, when clutch moments were needed, a number of different Jayhawks stepped up, which should be a relief to Bill Self heading into the thick of the regular season.
Now you may be wondering what the point of a third place tomorrow evening yet if Kansas can pull off the win, the difference in prize money is huge.
Michigan will face Gonzaga in the Players Era championship game. Winner will receive $1 million, loser $500K.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) November 26, 2025
Then Tennessee will take on Kansas for third place. Winner of that game will receive $300K, loser $200K.
Beyond the $100k difference, the Volunteers could provide the marquee win the Jayhawks needed. Now, by no means is that meant to be a slight at a Syracuse squad that lost by a mere four points in overtime against the No. 3 Houston Cougars in the game before, or towards a 5-2 Fighting Irish, but Self needs that win that lets the nation know that even though Kansas may be outside the top-25 temporarily, there is still a lot of talent brewing in Lawerence.
Of course, leading the Vols is the ever-present Rick Barnes. Barnes has been in charge of the SEC side since the 2015-16 season and has kept Tennessee as one of the nation’s most consistent forces.
Barnes’ team comprises three players who average over 10+ points in Ja'Kobi Gillespie (19.2), Nate Ament (19.0), and J.P. Estrella (13.2). The Vols are currently 7-0 and are hours off from a thrilling 76-73 win over Houston.
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on TNT
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