Kansas Jayhawks Transfer Candidates Analyzed: Portal Watch Insights
Bill Self will return to Lawrence for his 24th season. The roster, however, remains unsettled as the offseason begins.
No Jayhawks have officially entered the portal yet. Still, five players appear likely to depart. Darryn Peterson is expected to pursue the NBA Draft. Tre White, Melvin Council Jr., Jayden Dawson, and Gee Ngala have exhausted eligibility.
Frontcourt decisions
Flory Bidunga is again a focal point. He entered the transfer portal last year and drew interest from Auburn and Duke before returning.
Bidunga’s camp expects strong offers this cycle. He may test the portal unless Kansas presents an early, compelling package.
Bryson Tiller’s freshman year ended prematurely. His path could depend on whether Kansas retains Bidunga.
Incoming center Davion Adkins will reduce available minutes. The program is also pursuing top recruit Tyran Stokes.
With limited frontcourt minutes, it is unlikely both Bidunga and Tiller remain. One returning likely means the other departs.
Backcourt and wing outlook
Elmarko Jackson and Kohl Rosario face difficult choices. Both were once seen as potential one-and-done players for Kansas.
Freshman additions Taylen Kinney, Luke Barnett, and Trent Perry are expected to factor into the rotation. Backcourt minutes will shrink as a result.
Kansas may want to keep at least one of Jackson or Rosario. However, matching high portal offers for both seems unlikely.
Players still weighing options
Jamari McDowell is a redshirt sophomore after three seasons at Kansas. He showed strong shooting in limited action and holds two years of eligibility.
McDowell could stay for a larger role. He could also seek a program that guarantees more playing time.
Paul Mbiya is a 7-foot freshman from the Congo. He played 33 total Big 12 minutes before the NCAA tournament and logged 29 minutes across two tournament games.
Mbiya energized the rotation in March. The staff believes his development could mirror past KU big men like Udoka Azubuike or Jeff Withey.
Samis Calderon played just 65 minutes in 2025–26. The 21-year-old from Brazil has a 7-foot-2 wingspan and remains a raw prospect.
Both Mbiya and Calderon could test the portal if other programs promise meaningful roles. Their choices will hinge on expected playing time and offers from Kansas.
Timeline and expectations
As the Final Four and season end approach, portal activity usually increases. More transfer updates should arrive in the coming weeks.
Our portal watch offers insights on Kansas Jayhawks transfer candidates as decisions near. Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and report updates.
