Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks handles the ball during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena on February 02, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas
The Kansas Jayhawks are heading toward March Madness with one of the most closely watched storylines in college basketball: the availability of freshman star Darryn Peterson. Projected by many as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Peterson has missed 11 of Kansas’ 27 games and has battled hamstring issues, ankle injuries, illnessand recurring cramps throughout the season.
As the NCAA tournament approaches, Peterson’s status remains central to Kansas’ postseason outlook.
Darryn Peterson’s Injuries and Absences Raise Questions for Kansas
Dick Vitale
Sometimes a divorce is good for everyone involved & I firmly believe that needs to happen NOW @KUHoops – the Darryn Peterson soap opera needs to end .It has to be a nightmare for ALL involved- so sad as Darryn’s talent is off the charts .
Peterson’s season hasbeen defined by flashes of dominance and unexpected exits. He missed seven games earlier this year with a lingering hamstring injury. He also sat out wins over Towson and Davidson with cramps and missed a January 24 victory over Kansas State because of an ankle sprain.
Concerns intensified on January 31 when Peterson dominated the first half against BYU’s AJ Dybantsa before exiting in the second half with cramps. He later missed a February 9 matchup against then-No. 1 Arizona due to illness, despite warming up. Cameras also captured him askingout of a recent win over Oklahoma State because of cramps.
The criticism has been public. Hall of Famer Dick Vitale referred to thesituation as a “soap opera” and called for a split between Kansas and Peterson.ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith questioned whether NBA teams should select him No. 1 overall.
Peterson has addressed the scrutiny directly.
“Someone has something to say after every game this year,” Peterson said. “I don’t really pay attention anymore.”
Speaking toESPN earlier this season, Peterson added, “Everybody’s got an opinion on it. But basketball is my life. If I could have been out there every game this year, I would have.If youwould have asked me lastyear, whatwere my goals for this year, I would nevermention missing games. So all this stuffkind of just happened, but I’ve got to deal with it.”
Peterson’s father, Darryl Peterson, also spoke out this week.
“You can’t pray for rain then complain about the mud,” Darryl toldCBS Sports. “We embrace what comes with this journey. The good and bad. I’m so grateful for this year, this season, and for what’s to come. It has taught so many life lessons to prepare Darryn and our family for what he’s about to go through being the No. 1 pick and future face of someone’s franchise [and] the league.”
Bill Self Weighs Kansas’ Chemistry Entering March Madness
Kansas head coach Bill Self has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Peterson’s availability. The freshman has played fewer than 25 minutes in seven of his 16 appearances and averages 27.2 minutes per game.
After Peterson exited early during a win at Oklahoma State, Self told reporters, “I thought we were past it, but obviously we’re not. It’s certainly a concern. You get into the NCAA tournament, you’re playing a team just as good as youand you need to have all your best players available, so to speak. All it takes is for one day like that to derail not only a game, but a season.”
Kansas has shown it can compete without Peterson. The Jayhawks upset then-No. 1 Arizona despite his absence. However, the team has struggled to find consistency. They scored 82 points in the win over Arizona without Petersonbut managed just 68 in a home loss to Cincinnati with him playing 32 minutes.
Self has been candid about the challenge of building rhythm.
“He’s great, but I have told [Peterson], in all honesty, ‘Have I really had a chance to coach you yet?’”Self told ESPN after the Arizona win. “Have I had a chance to say, ‘Hey, this is totally unacceptable.This is how we’re doing it.’ Have I had a chance to really make points to him?”
Peterson maintains he wants to play as much as possible.
“Let’s do it,” Peterson said when asked about his message to Kansas fans concerned about March. “That’s the goal.”