Kansas freshman sensation Darryn Peterson teased a return to Kansas in 2026-27 after Kansas’ win over Kansas State on Saturday afternoon in the final game of the regular season. Peterson went on to say he loved Kansas and, “everything about being here and my team.”
And when Melvin Council began chanting, “One more year”, Peterson responded, “Maybe one more year, I might run it back.”
There’s an almost zero percentage chance Peterson returns to Kansas for the 2026-27 year, as he’s a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. But the thought of it goes a long way for KU fans who have been skeptical of Peterson’s passion for Lawrence and the program during what has been a season marred by injuries. Fans have questioned whether Peterson had the love for KU that so many before him have had, or whether it’s been a simple business decision. So just the thought, in this case, may ultimately be what counts.
On Saturday against K-State, in the last game inside Allen Fieldhouse this season, Peterson dropped 27 points with five rebounds and four assists in 29 minutes of action. The win also clinched a double-bye in next week’s conference tournament for KU by winning on Senior Day for the 43rd consecutive year.
Other KU Seniors Say Goodbye
In a prime example of today’s era of college basketball, Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White also played in their last game in Lawrence, despite just showing up their prior to the 2025-26 season. White, a transfer from Illinois, had 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Council, who arrived from St. Bonaventure, nearly had a triple-double with 17 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists in his final game at the Phog.
With the win, KU has now won 20 in a row over Kansas State at home.
