Kansas hits the road to open Big 12 play as the Jayhawks take on their traditional geographic rivals, the Knights of Central Florida.
The Jayhawks are 3-1 against UCF all-time in this fierce rivalry, and have emerged victorious 3 consecutive times in this matchup. The most recent meeting was a 98-94 KU win in overtime back in March of 2025 in Kansas City.
The Numbers
UCF: 11-1, 0-0 B12
#17 Kansas: 10-3, 0-0 B12
Line: KU -4.5
O/U: 156.5
Note that UCF is receiving votes in the Coaches Poll, but not the AP
Poll. They have lost to Vanderbilt (by 8), defeated Texas A&M and Pitt, but not played anyone else of note.
How to Watch
Saturday, Jan 3, 1:00 PM CDT
Orlando, FL: Addition Financial Arena
TV: NBCSN
– Rich Hollenberg (Play-by-Play), Brendan Haywood (Analyst)
Online Streaming: www.peacocktv.com or the Peacock app (subscription required)
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network (no idea if these stations are still accurate as I can’t find an updated list from KU anywhere)
– Brian Hanni (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst), Brandon McAnderson (Sideline)
– Sirius XM 200, 392
– Online Radio Stream: kuathletics.leanplayer.com
Fun Facts
Until last year, Kansas had won 34 consecutive league openers. A loss today would make KU 0-1 in league play for the second consecutive year, something that hasn’t happened since 1981-82 and 1982-83.
As we mentioned in the preview, so far this season UCF ranks in the top-20 in the country in rebounding and 3-point shooting.
KU leads all Big 12 teams in blocked shots, and the Jayhawks are top-10 in the country in blocks and field goal percentage against.
Kansas is 46-0 under Bill Self when getting 40+ rebounds and less than 10 turnovers in a game. That total includes 5-0 so far this season. KU has pulled down 40+ rebounds in each of the last four games. (TLDR; Rebounds + Low turnovers = Win)
