Coming into the 2025\u201326 season, the Kansas Jayhawks carry the weight of three straight first weekend exits in March Madness.<\/p>\n
As Bill Self nears the final stretch of his legendary coaching career, the pressure to right the ship is mounting in Lawrence.<\/p>\n
CBS Sports analyst Cameron Salerno recently published an article<\/a> pinpointing the top games that will define KU’s seeding.<\/p>\n It is crucial for the Jayhawks to deliver in these matchups if they want to reestablish themselves as a national contender. Which five games will prove to be the most important?<\/p>\n 1. Duke, Champions Classic (Neutral Site)<\/p>\n Duke is expected to enter the year ranked in the top five, which should set the stage for a massive battle in the Champions Classic.<\/p>\n Jon Scheyer\u2019s roster is headlined by elite freshmen Cameron and Cayden Boozer, as well as former Kansas recruiting target Dame Sarr.<\/p>\n The Blue Devils will give the Jayhawks one of their toughest challenges of the campaign<\/a>, especially with a projected top-5 NBA Draft pick like Cameron Boozer on the floor.<\/p>\n Darryn Peterson will have the spotlight all over him in a matchup that could define early-season momentum.<\/p>\n 2. Houston, Big 12 Play (Home)<\/p>\n The last time these two teams met inside Allen Fieldhouse, Houston pulled off a thrilling double-overtime win (and arguably the worst loss in recent program history.<\/p>\n CBS once again named the home clash with UH as one of the most vital games on the Jayhawks\u2019 schedule.<\/p>\n The Cougars are a top-2 or three team heading into the year and return standout guard Milos Uzan, along with 5-star freshman Chris Cenac Jr.<\/p>\n A win here could have major implications on both the Big 12 race and national seeding.<\/p>\n 3. BYU, Big 12 Play (Home)<\/p>\n