When speaking to the media last week, head coach Bill Self gave a slightly puzzling answer when asked if his squad for the 2026 season was complete.
“...So our roster's not set. It may be over, but we're still investigating different opportunities.”
Of course, the Jayhawks have continually been linked with overseas big man Mihailo Mušikić, but until that situation gets cleared, he can’t be a guarantee on the roster. To the same end Kansas has been linked with the possible return of Melvin Council Jr. but that also stands far away from completion.
However, this weekend, a sudden name popped up that should get every Kansas fan excited if he lands with the Jayhawks.
College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein reported that Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler entered Kansas’s radar.
Jaxon Kohler tells me that he will explore a return to college for a fifth year and is receiving interest from the following programs:
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 1, 2026
Kansas
Kentucky
BYU
Kohler averaged 12.5 PPG and 8.9 RPG last season at Michigan State.
A return to East Lansing is also possible.
Why Jaxon Kohler would be a vital piece on next season’s roster
Last season, KU lacked depth; the players beyond the front five struggled to get consistent performances. Sure, each bench player had their highs, but overall it felt like a lot more lows.
For the 2026 season, the Jayhawks are set to reel in four transfers, in power forward Kenau Dawes, small forward Dennis Parker Jr. center Christian Reeves and guard Leroy Blyden Jr.
These are already great steps to repair what was a middling scoring outfit, and Kohler will only help that. Last season, Kohler averaged 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per showing for a Spartans team that went 27-8 overall.
If Kohler were to join KU, the backup power forward spot is a perfect place for him. Right now, the Jayhawks only enlist Dawes, a senior, and freshman Davion Adkins. While every other position is at least two strong candidates deep, the power forward spot leaves some room for improvement.
Who should the Jayhawks prioritize
It doesn’t take this article to tell you that college sports are flipping every day. As of publishing, KU only has the room for one more player; assuming those rules are still standing by sunrise tomorrow, Kansas will have to pick between Mušikić, Council and Kohler.
Melvin Council Jr: Last season, fans saw what a player who is willing to give his all for a team looks like. Council was an elite defender, knew how to track down a rebound, and at points could be effortless while driving to the rack. Now, by no means was he perfect, but Council left a large impact at a school where that is a hard thing to do, nonetheless after just one year.
Mihailo Mušikić: What Kohler does at power forward, Mušikić does at center. Currently, the Jayhawks are set to be missing out on Reeves until the start of the season, as the former Duke, Clemson and College of Charleston transfer underwent a shoulder injury earlier this offseason. Mušikić could bring in the needed depth until and past Reeves’ return.
No matter which (if any) of the three Kansas lands, it will be a big help. For a team so novice of high-major basketball, a player of Kohler’s ilk is priceless.
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