How KU Jayhawks can open Big 12 portion of 2025-26 hoops schedule with win at UCF
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- KU begins conference play Saturday; defense must limit UCF 3s and offensive rebounds
- UCF offense ranks high in 3-point and eFG percentage; KU needs balanced defensive focus
- Darryn Peterson likely returns; monitor minutes, cramps and Kansas rotation adjustments
The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team will be in Florida on Saturday to face UCF in both teams’ Big 12 Conference opener for the 2025-26 season.
Each team is coming off a win: The No. 17-ranked Jayhawks (10-3) defeated Davidson on Dec. 22, while UCF beat FAU Dec. 23.
Here is more about Saturday’s game, including a scouting report and prediction:
Kansas basketball vs. UCF: Game details
When: 1 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, Jan. 2
Where: Addition Financial Arena in Orlando
TV/streaming: Peacock
Opponent’s record: 11-1
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 45
Betting line: KU is a 5.5-point favorite.
All statistics are from KenPom.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats include only Division I competition.
UCF Strengths
- Red-hot from deep: UCF ranks No. 11 nationally in 3-point percentage (38.9).
- Great offense: The Knights rank No. 39 in effective field goal percentage (56.5).
- Glass cleaners: UCF ranks No. 4 in offensive rebounding percentage (41.8).
UCF Weaknesses
- Roster turnover: UCF ranks No. 345 in minutes-continuity percentage (0%).
- Free-throw struggles, Part 1: The Knights rank No. 116 in free-throw percentage (74).
- Free-throw struggles, Part 2: UCF also ranks No. 256 in free-throw rate (32.3).
UCF Name to Know
6-foot-8 junior forward Jordan Burks (No. 8)
+ Decent scorer (13.8 points per game)
+ Solid rebounder (4.7 per game)
+ Good free-throw shooter (63.8% at the line)
+ Elite from deep (39.6% on 3-pointers)
- Not much of a passer (.7 APG)
Kansas-UCF game prediction
This game marks the start of the all-important conference portion of the Jayhawks’ season. On top of that, it appears KU freshman Darryn Peterson will return after missing two games due to cramps.
This figures to be a good opening test in league play for the Jayhawks. Offense is UCF’s calling card and Kansas hopes to counter with elite defense.
Three Knights are averaging more than 12.0 points per game, so KU can’t hyper-focus on one player. The key for KU will be limiting UCF from deep and keeping the Knights off the offensive glass.
Luckily for the Jayhawks, their defense really is one of the best in the nation. In fact, KU has been holding opponents to 25.2% 3-point shooting.
Ultimately, I believe KU’s defense will ensure the Jayhawks fly out of Orlando with a road victory.
Prediction: Kansas 76, UCF 68
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (-5.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 12-1
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 11-2
KU Player to Watch: Darryn Peterson
Look, anytime Peterson plays its so clear that he’s a special player. The issue is that he’s played in just four games ... and hasn’t been 100% healthy in any of them.
It will be interesting to see how Kansas coach Bill Self manages his minutes, and how Peterson looks out there on the court. How explosive will he be? Will he appear to be 100% healthy, or close?
More importantly, what is KU doing to address his cramping issues? These are some of the things I’ll be watching in his likely return to game action on Saturday in Florida.
