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Latest AP ranking adds importance to upcoming clash against Houston

Kansas' latest AP ranking was just released with a monster matchup against Houston set for Monday
ByConnor Mardian|
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Feb 21, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) shoots over Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam (52) during the second half of the game at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Feb 21, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) shoots over Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam (52) during the second half of the game at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

As quickly as it began, the collegiate basketball season is quickly coming to its end, and the Kansas Jayhawks have just four more regular-season games left before the Big 12 Tournament and March Madness begins to kick in. 

Kansas’ AP ranking revealed after 1-1 week

Last week saw the Jayhawks — ranked No. 8 at the time — manage a .500 record with an 81-69 win over Oklahoma State while also seeing a collapse against the unranked Cincinnati Bearcats in what turned into an 84-68 loss that sent shockwaves through the nation. 

Kansas was outmuscled all day on Saturday, which led them to finish with a -11 rebound margin that also saw Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam finish with a career-high 28 points. Thiam was one of four players who finished with 10+ points, along with Baba Miller, Day Day Thomas, and Jalen Celestine, as the Bearcats finished the second half with a monster 48 points en route to their blowout win. 

Minutes ago, Bill Self and the Jayhawks were selected as the nation’s 14th-best team ahead of Monday night’s crucial clash against the No. 5 Houston Cougars. 

Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars will undoubtedly be the biggest defensive test that the Jayhawks will face this season, as the back-to-back Big 12 champs allow just 62 points per game, the best in the nation. 

Houston is led by star guard Kingston Flemings. The freshman averages16.6 points per game, with an impressive 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and a strong 49% mark from the field. 

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT with streaming available on ESPN.

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