What's next for Kansas? Explaining Jayhawks, Darryn Peterson’s future after March Madness second-round exit

It might be hard to believe, but Kansas hasn't played an NCAA Tournament game past the second round since winning the national championship in 2022. That drought will extend at least one more year after Sunday's 67-65 second-round loss to St. John's, which came on a buzzer-beater from Dylan Darling.

An inconsistent offense doomed the Jayhawks, as they couldn't find a rhythm against a stifling Rick Pitino-coached defense for most of the matchup. While offensive struggles from St. John's kept Kansas within striking distance, including a late comeback bid, the Red Storm buried the Jayhawks with Darling's dagger.

For a program that prides itself on competing for national championships, Kansas still seems to be stuck in neutral in the NIL era, even with heavy resources at its disposal.

Here's a look at what might come next for Kansas, including a key question for coach Bill Self. 

MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

What's next for Kansas?

Kansas will enter the 2026-27 season without a Sweet 16 appearance since 2022, putting pressure on the program to get back to championship form. The biggest question might be whether Self will remain the head coach to deal with the weight of those expectations.

Will Bill Self retire?

Self has been the subject of retirement speculation as he finishes up his 23rd season at Kansas, though no reports have indicated he is planning to step away.

Health issues have followed Self in recent years, as he was hospitalized in 2023 and 2025 for heart-related procedures. Self missed a game in January of this season with similar concerns.

When asked about possibly retiring earlier in March, Self didn't get into details but said he was feeling good. "I wouldn’t believe what social media or the internet is saying. I actually feel pretty good and I’m really excited about the next, hopefully, several weeks, whatever it can be."

Self also reportedly considered leaving Kansas for alma mater Oklahoma State in 2024, so he has thought about an exit plan before. "I did talk to them and my administration knew that I talked to them," Self said when reports surfaced in 2025, though he denied that he nearly accepted the job.

Who will replace Darryn Peterson?

Kansas picked up some key wins without Peterson this season, but the Jayhawks had some trouble generating offense when he wasn't on the floor. Elmarko Jackson and Jamari McDowell saw their minutes increase when Peterson wasn't on the floor, but asking them to step into Peterson's shoes as a scorer is a tall task.

The good news for the Jayhawks is they are predicted by many to land No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes, who has yet to announce a commitment. Stokes isn't the same player Peterson is, as he's a 6-7 forward, but he is capable of stepping in and being that No. 1 scorer.

If Self retires or Stokes' decision turns out to be a surprise, Kansas may opt to look toward the portal to land a high-volume scorer rather than hoping any internal option can fill Peterson's shoes. Self's recent track record in the portal is mixed, with AJ Storr among his misses, so he or his successor will be under serious pressure to find the right fits. 

SN AWARDS: All-America team | Player of the Year | Coach of the Year

Who's leaving?

Along with Peterson certainly heading to the NBA, Kansas will see G Melvin Council Jr. and wing Tre White graduate. Peterson, Council and White were three of the Jayhawks' four minutes per game leaders this season.

Council has served as Kansas' point guard this season, while White shot better than 40 percent from 3-point range and led the team in steals. 

Of course, it's anyone's guess whether other players will leave via the transfer portal. Kansas doesn't typically see many defections given its status and resources, but C Flory Bidunga originally entered the portal last spring before deciding to return. If Self retires, the roster could turn over more than expected.

MORE MARCH MADNESS NEWS:

• SN's 2026 NBA Mock Draft
• 10 best NBA prospects in March Madness
• Ranking the college basketball's loaded freshmen class
• Meet the Cinderella stars who could bust brackets

Who might return?

Bidunga, Bryson Tiller, Elmarko Jackson are all rotation pieces who have eligibility next season, as do Jamari McDowell and Kohl Rosario, who have held occasional roles for Self this season. 

Kansas has No. 19 recruit Taylen Kinney, a point guard, joining the program next season and is hoping to have Stokes on board, which would be a major help for the Jayhawks. In a best-case scenario, Stokes, Kinney, Bidunga, Tiller, Jackson, McDowell and Rosario would give Kansas a strong starting point, but the volatility of the portal means just abut anything can happen.

The biggest question in that scenario might be whether Kinney is capable of taking the reins as Kansas' starting point guard as a true freshman. Council was imperfect this season, but he gave the Jayhawks an experienced ball-handler. Kinney is the No. 19 player in what's generally considered to be a down high school class, and a loaded Big 12 might not be so forgiving to an inexperienced point guard.

MORE: How have Rick Pitino and Bill Self fared head-to-head?