KU Hosts ‘GameDay’ for BYU Showdown

Avery K. Bristow

Published: January 24, 2026 6:42 PM ET

On January 31, 2026, Allen Fieldhouse will host ESPN’s “College GameDay” for the highly anticipated matchup between the University of Kansas (KU) and Brigham Young University (BYU). The pregame show, featuring Rece Davis, Jay Bilas, Jay Williams, Andraya Carter, and Seth Greenberg, will air at 10 a.m. This thrilling contest is set to tip off at 3:30 p.m.

Matchup Highlights

This game carries significant excitement as both teams are currently ranked. Kansas sits at No. 19, while BYU holds the No. 13 spot. The match also showcases two standout players: Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa, both highly regarded prospects for the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.

Injury Concerns

Peterson, who is recovering from an ankle injury, missed a previous game against Kansas State. His performance will be crucial for the Jayhawks as they seek redemption against BYU.

Historical Context

The all-time series between KU and BYU has been competitive, with Kansas leading 4-3. However, the Jayhawks will need to overcome past setbacks against the Cougars since their entry into the Big 12 Conference. Notably, BYU upset Kansas in their last two meetings:

February 27, 2024: BYU won 76-68 at Allen Fieldhouse.
February 18, 2025: BYU triumphed 91-57 at the Marriott Center.

Recent Success on GameDay

Kansas has a strong track record during “College GameDay” broadcasts, boasting a 15-8 record overall, including 10-2 at home. The Jayhawks won their last two GameDay appearances against Baylor in the previous two seasons.

GameDay Season Overview

This will mark the second “College GameDay” event hosted by Kansas this season, focusing on Big 12 matchups. Earlier in January, the crew covered a game featuring Texas Tech against Houston in Lubbock, Texas.

Key Players to Watch

Alongside Peterson and Dybantsa, BYU’s team features notable players such as:

Richie Saunders, a senior guard.
Robert Wright III, a sophomore guard and transfer from Baylor.

This singular matchup between KU and BYU promises to be thrilling, garnering attention from fans and analysts alike as both teams vie for victory in this high-stakes encounter.