If you’ve spent any time in the Big 12 lately, you know that the air just feels different when the Jayhawks and the Bears share a court. It’s not just about the blue-blood status or the neon green jerseys. Honestly, it’s about survival in the toughest conference in America. On Friday, January 16, 2026, the Kansas vs Baylor basketball rivalry writes its next chapter at Allen Fieldhouse, and if history is any indicator, it’s going to be a slugfest.
Kansas enters this matchup with a 12-5 overall record, sitting at 2-2 in conference play. Baylor, meanwhile, is hovering at 11-5 overall, but they’ve struggled early in the Big 12 slate with a 1-3 start. But don't let those records fool you. In this league, a three-game losing streak can happen to a Final Four team, and a win in Lawrence can flip a season on its head.
The Chess Match: Bill Self vs. Scott Drew
There is something fascinating about watching two Hall of Fame-caliber coaches try to out-think each other. Bill Self has his 20+ years of Lawrence lore, while Scott Drew has basically built the Baylor program from the ground up into a perennial powerhouse.
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Self’s system usually relies on high-low action and a point guard who can navigate the Phog’s pressure. This year, freshman sensation Darryn Peterson has been the name on everyone’s lips. The 6'6" guard has lived up to the hype, providing a scoring punch that Kansas desperately needs. Beside him, veterans like Elmarko Jackson and Jamari McDowell have had to step up, especially with the departure of guys like Hunter Dickinson to the NBA.
Baylor’s Scoring Machine
Scott Drew isn’t coming to Lawrence empty-handed. Baylor’s offense is currently ranked 3rd in the Big 12, averaging 88.7 points per game. They play fast. They shoot often.
Keep an eye on Tounde Yessoufou, who recently dropped 23 points in a tough environment at Oklahoma State. Along with Michael Rataj and Cam Carr, the Bears have enough perimeter shooting to make even the Allen Fieldhouse crowd go quiet—at least for a second.
Recent History and the Foster Pavilion Factor
We can't talk about the men's game without acknowledging what happened on the women's side just days ago. On January 11, 2026, No. 16 Baylor women’s basketball took down Kansas 79-64 at the new Foster Pavilion. Taliah Scott was lights out with 24 points, and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs dominated the glass with 13 rebounds.
Why does this matter for the men? Because the "Foster Pavilion vibe" has officially replaced the old Ferrell Center energy, and that winning culture is infectious across the whole Baylor athletic department.
The men’s series has been a dead heat recently. Over the last 10 matchups, they are split exactly 5-5. That is unheard of when one of the teams is Kansas. Usually, the Jayhawks own their conference rivals at home, but Baylor has found a way to win in Lawrence more than almost anyone else in the Bill Self era.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People love to talk about the "mystique" of Kansas. They think the jerseys do the work.
The truth? Kansas wins because they typically have better rim protection and they don't turn the ball over. This year, though, the stats show a bit of a gap. Baylor is shooting 49.7% from the field as a team (4th in the Big 12), while Kansas is back at 46.9%. If the Jayhawks can't find a way to contest those Baylor looks at the arc, it’s going to be a long night for the home crowd.
Key Stats to Watch
- Field Goal Percentage: Baylor (49.7%) vs. Kansas (46.9%).
- Offensive Rebounding: Baylor has been relentless on the glass, especially in their recent win over Oklahoma State where they reclaimed 19 second-chance points.
- The Freshman Factor: Darryn Peterson (KU) vs. Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor). These aren't your typical first-year players; they're the engines of their respective offenses.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird season for both. Arizona and Iowa State are currently sitting at the top of the standings at 3-0 in conference. That means Kansas and Baylor are both playing catch-up. A loss here doesn't end a season, but it makes the path to a Big 12 title significantly steeper.
What Happens Next?
If you're heading to the game or watching on ESPN, watch the first five minutes of the second half. Kansas usually makes their run then. If Baylor can weather that initial storm and keep the score within five, their shooting depth usually takes over late.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
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- Watch the turnover battle: Kansas is currently 7th in the Big 12 in scoring defense, allowing only 67.8 points. If they can force Baylor into 15+ turnovers, they win.
- Monitor the Bench: Baylor’s Isaac Williams and Michael Rataj are scoring threats even when the starters are resting. Kansas needs a "X-factor" game from someone like Zeke Mayo or Bryson Tiller.
- The Phog Effect: Never bet against the Fieldhouse unless the opposing team has elite guard play. Baylor has it.
The Kansas vs Baylor basketball series is no longer a "big brother, little brother" dynamic. It’s two heavyweights in a phone booth. Whoever blinks first is going to find themselves at the bottom half of the Big 12 standings by Saturday morning.