With the offseason underway, Kansas could see some familiar faces depart in the near future. While Bill Self has announced his return to Lawrence for his 24th season, much of next season’s roster remains uncertain.
Although no Jayhawks have officially entered the transfer portal, five players are already likely on their way out: Darryn Peterson (NBA Draft), Tre White, Melvin Council Jr., Jayden Dawson, and Gee Ngala (all out of eligibility).
With seven rotational pieces remaining from the 2025–26 roster, we can now speculate on each player’s decision this offseason.
Likely one or the other
Flory Bidunga/Bryson Tiller- The 2025–26 Jayhawk frontcourt is in serious doubt heading into next season. Last year, Flory Bidunga entered the transfer portal and was courted by programs like Auburn and Duke before ultimately returning to Kansas. His camp has made it clear they expect significant offers again this offseason, meaning he’s likely to test the portal waters unless KU presents an undeniable deal early.
Fellow frontcourt piece Bryson Tiller saw his freshman season end abruptly and could also be on his way out—especially if KU prioritizes bringing Bidunga back. With four-star freshman center Davion Adkins arriving in Lawrence next season, frontcourt minutes will be limited.
On top of that, Kansas is pushing hard to land No. 1 overall recruit Tyran Stokes, a commitment that won’t come cheap. Ultimately, there’s only so much to go around, and if one of these big men returns, it likely means the other is out the door.
Elmarko Jackson/Kohl Rosario- Two players once projected as one-and-done prospects at Kansas now face tough decisions this offseason. With incoming freshman guards/wings Taylen Kinney (five-star), Luke Barnett (four-star), and Trent Perry (four-star) all expected to factor into the rotation, backcourt minutes will be limited.
Kansas would gladly welcome either player back, but likely won’t match the high offers both could command in the transfer portal. As proven defenders with exceptional athleticism, the staff would prefer to retain at least one, but bringing both back doesn’t seem realistic at this point.
Up in the air
Jamari McDowell- After spending three seasons in Lawrence, the redshirt sophomore once again faces a big decision. McDowell showcased exceptional shooting ability this season in limited reps, and while he has long seemed like a four-year Jayhawk, he could move on in search of a larger role next season. With two years of eligibility remaining, no one would blame him for doing so.
Paul Mbiya- Prior to the NCAA Tournament, Mbiya played just 33 total minutes throughout Big 12 play. He then surprisingly logged 29 minutes across the Jayhawks’ two tournament games. The 7-foot freshman from the Congo injected real life into the rotation when it mattered most in March, building momentum he could carry into next season.
Whether he remains in Lawrence is still up for debate, but the staff has seen his potential and knows that, with the right development, he could become as dominant as past KU greats like Udoka Azubuike or Jeff Withey. Ultimately, Mbiya’s decision will come down to the role and compensation he’s offered by other programs.
Samis Calderon- Playing just 65 minutes during the entire 2025–26 season, Calderon hasn’t yet had a real chance to showcase his abilities. The young forward was buried in the rotation and understandably saw limited action as a freshman.
Similar to Mbiya, he remains an extremely raw prospect but possesses the frame and athleticism of an NBA player, highlighted by a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Under the right leadership and development, the 21-year-old from Brazil could emerge as a dominant force in the near future.
If Calderon enters the portal, any coach in the country would be foolish not to take a serious look. Should another program offer him a significant role, he’d likely consider it—depending on what KU is willing to offer to keep him.
With the Final Four and the end of the college basketball season approaching, transfer portal updates are likely to become more frequent across the country. We’ll have to wait to see what each player decides, and with a decision from Bill Self just being reported, that could come very soon.
This roster could look very different next year, but for now, everything is still up in the air. Will the Jayhawks retain most of these players, or will they find new homes elsewhere?
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