KEY POINT
- Kansas enters as a modest favorite with a 3.5 point spread.
- BYU and Kansas both feature elite NBA draft prospects, with Dybantsa and Peterson leading their teams.
- This game carries potential impact on conference standings and national draft evaluation.
LAWRENCE, Kan. (Jan. 31, 2026) — No. 14 Kansas will host No. 13 Brigham Young University on Saturday in a high stakes Big 12 men’s basketball matchup as potential top NBA draft picks Darryn Peterson of Kansas and A.J. Dybantsa of BYU square off. Tipoff at Allen Fieldhouse is set for 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.
The Jayhawks are currently 3.5 point favorites according to sportsbook odds, with the over/under for total points set at 157.5. Kansas is listed at 170 on the money line, while BYU is at +142.
Both teams are tied with a 5-2 record in conference play, but BYU holds a slightly better overall record at 17-3, compared to Kansas’ 15-5.
Saturday’s game represents a significant intersection of conference rivalry and professional scouting. Both Peterson and Dybantsa are among the top prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft, drawing national attention to this Big 12 contest.
Analysts highlight the matchup as an opportunity to evaluate these players under high-pressure conditions against top-tier competition.
BYU joined the Big 12 in recent years, and games against Kansas have grown competitive quickly. Kansas is coming off a decisive victory against Kansas State, while BYU narrowly lost to Arizona last week. The historical series between these teams is evenly matched, adding extra intrigue to the matchup.
Peterson has averaged 21.6 points per game, recovering from a minor ankle injury, while Dybantsa leads BYU with 23.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Their scoring abilities will be central to how each team approaches both offense and defense.
“Dybantsa is a versatile scorer who can change a game in a few possessions,” said Marcus Green, assistant basketball analyst at the College Basketball Hall of Fame Institute. “His ability to create shots makes BYU a serious contender even on the road.”
Dr. Ellen Roth, sports economist at Midwest Sports Analytics, said, “Saturday’s matchup could influence both conference positioning and draft narratives. Scouts are paying close attention to how these players perform in key games.”
Kansas’ depth beyond Peterson will be critical in containing BYU’s transition offense, while BYU must rely on coordinated ball movement and spacing to challenge the Jayhawks’ defense.
“Peterson being on the court changes the dynamic for Kansas,” said Trevor Banks, Big 12 scout for Hoops Insider. “His scoring draws attention that opens up opportunities for teammates.”
Tyler Jensen, editor of Cougar Basketball Review, added, “Dybantsa thrives in isolation plays and transition offense. BYU will need precise execution to stay competitive in Lawrence.”
How both teams handle the intensity of this matchup could set the tone for the remainder of the Big 12 season. Kansas seeks to reinforce its position near the top of the standings, while BYU aims to strengthen its national profile and improve its seeding prospects for March postseason tournaments.
Saturday’s Kansas-BYU game is more than a conference contest it is a stage for future NBA talent to showcase skills and for each program to assert its position in the Big 12.
With two of the top draft prospects in college basketball and tightly contested records, the game promises to be a critical test for both teams’ strategies and talent development.