Kansas
Auburn Uses Dominate Pitching To Secure 5-1 Victory Over Kansas State – FloBaseball
In the nigh-cap in Day One of the second-weekend of play in the 2026 College Baseball Series, high quality pitching was the way to win as Auburn defeated Kansas State 5-1.
In what was a relativley quiet offensive game, Auburn was quick to get out to the hot start, scratching across the first run on the bottom of the first. From there, the Tigers would be held scoreless until the top of the fifth. It would be silent for the bats until the top of the eighth where Auburn would find two more runs.
In the bottom half of the frame, K-State, would find it’s first burst of offense by scoring its opening run. However, the offense would be quiet after that as Auburn picked up its final run in the top of the ninth.
The Auburn pitching excelled in the game as Jake Marciano would produce eight strikeouts in just six innings of work.
James Guyette would also deal from the mound picking up four strikeouts in his six innings of work.
The Tigers will on on to play Florida State at 3:00 PM CT on Feb. 20, while Kansas State will take on Nebraska at 7:00 PM CT.
Recap all of the live action down below or find the replay on FloCollege!
Bottom of 9th | K-State Batting
KSU 1, AUB 5
Two quick groundouts would force K-State in to their final out of the contest. A glimmer of hope is found though as AJ Evasco doubles to right center. Dee Kennedy flew out to right field to end the game and hand Auburn the 5-1 lead!
Auburn’s 5th Run! Take A Look!
The Tigers brought it in.
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWA34i #CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @AuburnBaseball pic.twitter.com/3QPKIIXWmH
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Top of 9th | Auburn Batting
KSU 1, AUB 5
Top of the ninth and the final six outs are upon us! Two singles and a timely sacrifice bunt allowed Bristol Carter to ground out the the pitcher to score the runner from third. The Tigers take a four0run lead as the Wildcats head towards their final three outs!
Here Is How The Wildcats Scored!
Did the job.
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWA34i #CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @KStateBSB pic.twitter.com/u1WS7lrbj1
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Bottom of 8th | K-State Batting
KSU 1, AUB 4
In the bottom half of the eighth, the Wildcats got some momentum finally getting the thought of being shutout out of their mind.
Shintaro Inoue finds the base path after reaching on an error which allowed him to advance to second. And RBI-double off the bat of Micah Kendrick brought in the first run for K-State.
Run No. 4 For Auburn On A Routine Sac-Fly
On a roll!
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWzveK #CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @AuburnBaseball pic.twitter.com/2rzQ6tfVup
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Relive Run No. 3 For The Tigers
Touched home.
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWA34i #CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @AuburnBaseball pic.twitter.com/tNCTgsRXQg
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Top of 8th | Auburn Batting
KSU 0, AUB 4
Late in this ball-game the Auburn Tigers have found some life. Carter Bristol finds his way to third after a few defensive errors. An RBI-single will score Bristol from third. Then a sacrifice fly from Lucas Steele scores the fourth run from Auburn!
Bottom of 7th | K-State Batting
KSU 0, AUB 2
We hope you enjoyed your seventh inning stretch because we are right back in to play! Two ground-outs and strikeout is the story of the frame for Auburn.
To the top of the eighth we go!
Top of 7th | Auburn Batting
KSU 0, AUB 2
A strikeout, a fly out and a foul-fly out are the story in the top half of the frame as the Auburn Tigers still lead this one by two! Get up fans and enjoy your seventh inning stretch!
Bottom of 6th | K-State Batting
KSU 0, AUB 2
Three straight groundouts and this game is FLYING! It is a two-run game heading in to the top of the seventh! get read fans, it’s almost stretch time!
Top of 6th | Auburn Batting
KSU 0, AUB 2
A fly out, groundout and strikeout are the plays to get through the top half. It has been a pretty quick ball game so far! As we move to the bottom of the frame, it still is only a two run game!
Flashback To Auburn’s Second Run!
A Little Chaos Never Hurt Anyone
Auburn takes the 2-0 lead in the top half of five!
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWzveK#CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @AuburnBaseball pic.twitter.com/tZVqrAYrm4
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Bottom of 5th | K-State Batting
KSU 0, AUB 2
Quick work for the side in the bottom half of the frame! A ground-out, fly-out and Marciano’s eighth strikeout of the day retires the side. Top of sixth coming soon!
Marciano Back On The Mound For Auburn
Bottom of the fifth is coming and Marciano is still on the mound for the Tigers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
Top of 5th | Auburn Batting
KSU 0, AUB 2
Five innings are almost gone and it is still a relatively quiet game offensively. A crazy snag for Carlos Vasquez gets the first out of the inning. Cade Belyeu is caught stealing for out number two.
A runner is on the path after drawing a walk, the second of the night off the had of Guyette. A little chaos pushes the second run across for the Tigers. A final tag at second ends the innings! Bottom of five coming up!
Base Runner = Gone
Here is a look at the pick off from Marciano.
“Bye, Bye, Base Runner 👋” – Jake Marciano, probably
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWzveK#CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @AuburnBaseball pic.twitter.com/oa3FBiLFys
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Bottom of 4th | K-State Batting
KSU 0, AUB 1
K-State was quick to get a duck on the pond but the momentum was short lived as Marciano threw a textbook pick-off attempt.
A pop up to short records the second out and another runner is on the path with an infield single. Marciano’s seventh strikeout of the game ends the side. Fifth inning on the way!
Top of 4th | Auburn Batting
KSU 0, AUB 1
Still a one-run game and these pitchers are making quick work of their batsmen. It was a three-up/three-down half inning for the K-State defense. Two ground-outs and a strikeout complete the side. Bottom of four is coming up! It is still anyone’s ball game!
A Sixth Strikeout For Marciano!
Sixth strikeout for Jake Marciano!
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWzveK #CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @AuburnBaseball pic.twitter.com/qiO02DkDEH
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Bottom of 3rd | K-State Batting
KSU 0, AUB 1
Marciano picks up his fifth strikeout of the day to get the first batter down. The second batter goes away woth a groundout to third. It’s all Marciano on the mound as he is dealing his way through batters. The pitcher picks up his 6th K of the day!
Top of 3rd | Auburn Batting
KSU 0, AUB 1
A ground out and two fly-outs retire the side in the top of the third and Guyette is dealing from the mound. Bottom of three is coming up soon!
Bottom of 2nd | K-State Batting
KSU 0, AUB 1
Two quick strikeouts highlight the bottom half of the frame. Marciano now has his fourth strikeout of the day.
A line out to left field ends the inning. Auburn still leads 1-0!
Here’s A Look Back At The Turned Double Play!
In sync.
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWzveK #CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @KStateBSB pic.twitter.com/CvAuRMa04Q
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Top of 2nd | Auburn Batting
KSU 0, AUB 1
The first walk of the game is drawn as Ethin Bingaman stays patient in the box. The Wildcats turn the double play to get a quick two outs.
A late two out single gets a runner on the path for the Tigers, but a reach on a fielder’s choice ends the inning.
Bottom of 1st | K-State Batting
KSU 0, AUB 1
It’s a quick three-up/ three-down for the Tigers as Marciano strikes out two and the defense picks up a fly out! Top of two coming soon!
K-State Escapes The Jam!
Made the pitch.
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWzveK #CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @KStateBSB pic.twitter.com/eGufy1j1vf
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Here’s A Look At the First Run Of The Ball Game!
The Tigers are starting the ball game off strong!
📺: https://t.co/8EJTmWzveK #CollegeBaseballSeries | @CBS_Arlington | @AuburnBaseball pic.twitter.com/AS2gmYExiW
— FloCollege | Baseball (@FloCollegeBSB) February 21, 2026
Top of 1st | Auburn Batting
KSU 0, AUB 1
Bristol Carter led off the ball game with a leadoff single through the right side. Bub Terrell picks up his own single, a quick bloop over the head of Dee Kennedy to advance the runners. Eric Guevara lays down a textbook bunt to load the bases for the Tigers. Chase Fralick reaches on the fielder’s choice but the run is pushed across for the 1-0 Auburn lead.
Guyette picks up his first strikeout of the day and catches Lucas Steele looking. A second strikeout for Guyette, gets the Wildcats out the of the jam with minimal casulties.
Just 5 Minutes Til First Pitch!
Just five short minutes until first pitch from Arlington! Jake Marciano will be on the mound for Auburn and James Guyette will be on the mound for K-State.
Scores From Globe Life
With the final game on the horizon, here are some final score updates from Globe Life Field!
- Louisville 4, Nebraska 2
- Florida State 6, Michigan 1
Kansas State Baseball Roster
- 1, Dee Kennedy, INF
- 2, Cadyn Karl, OF
- 3, Bear Madliak, C
- 4, Carlos Vasquez, INF
- 5, Shintaro Inoue, INF
- 6, Grant Gallagher, INF
- 7, AJ Evasco, INF
- 8, Nick English, C/OF
- 9, Donte Lewis, UTL
- 10, Tanner Duke, RHP
- 11, Robby Bolin, OF
- 12, Aaron Arnold, RHP
- 13, Cole Wisenbaker, LHP
- 14, Jack Quetschenbach, OF
- 15, Kyan Lodice, INF/OF
- 16, Matt Flores, RHP
- 17, Cohen Feser, RHP
- 18, Micah Kendrick, INF
- 20, Carson Liggett, RHP
- 22, Tazwell Butler, RHP
- 23, Jonah Reich, RHP
- 24, Austin Haley, INF/RHP
- 25, Rohan Putz, OF
- 26, Noah Gartner, RHP
- 27, Robert Fortenberry, LHP
- 28, Shea McGahan, C
- 30, Max Bettis, RHP
- 31, Cooper Jesperson, RHP
- 32, James Guyette, RHP
- 33, Sam Bettis, RHP
- 34, Ty Smolinski, INF
- 35, Billy Eich, RHP
- 40, Miles Smith, RHP
- 41, Adam Arther, LHP
- 45, Adan Longoria, RHP
- 46, Ethan Giesbrecht, RHP
- 47, Lincoln Sheffield, LHP
- 52, Chandler Murray, INF
Auburn Baseball Roster
- 1, Ryne Farber, IF
- 2, Chris Rembert, IF/OF
- 3, Chase Fralick, C/IF
- 4, Jake Marciano, LHP
- 5, Bristol Carter, OF
- 6, Drew Whalen, RHP
- 7, Todd Clay, IF
- 8, Eric Guevara, IF
- 9, Jett Johnston, RHP
- 10, Lucas Steele, C/OF
- 11, Brandon McCraine, IF/OF
- 12, Garrett Brewer, LHP
- 13, Ethan Harden, LHP
- 14, Cade Belyeu, OF
- 16, Clayton Armah, RHP
- 17, Mason McCraine, OF/LHP
- 18, Ethin Bingaman, UTL/RHP
- 19, Bub Terrell, OF/IF
- 20, Marcel Kulik, RHP
- 21, Andreas Alvarez, RHP
- 22, Connor Gatwood, RHP
- 23, Eddie Madrigal, IF/OF
- 24, Justice de Jong, RHP
- 25, Taylor Belza, C/IF
- 26, Caiden Combs, IF
- 27, Christian Chatterton, RHP
- 28, Ryan Hetzler, RHP
- 32, Griffin Graves, LHP
- 33, Mason Koch, RHP
- 34, Logan Gregorio, C/OF
- 36, Jackson Sanders, LHP
- 37, Trevor Booton, RHP
- 40, Wade Shelley, OF
- 41, LJ Cormier, RHP
- 42, Abe Chancellor, LHP
- 43, Alex Petrovic, RHP
- 44, Ty Thompson, IF
- 46, Saxon Roberts, RHP
- 52, Tanner Waldrop, C/IF
Amegy Bank College Baseball Series Weekend 2
Feb. 20, 2026
Feb. 21, 2026
Feb. 22, 2026
How To Watch College Baseball At The Amegy Bank College Baseball Series 2026
Every game of the three-week College Baseball Series, which includes the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series starting Feb. 20, is streaming on FloCollege, FloBaseball and the FloSports app.
D1 Baseball Rankings After Week 1
- UCLA (2-1, 2-1 last week), Previous Ranking: 1
- LSU (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 2
- Texas (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 3
- Mississippi State (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 4
- Georgia Tech (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 5
- Coastal Carolina (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 6
- TCU (2-1, 2-1 last week), Previous Ranking: 10
- Arkansas (2-1, 2-1 last week), Previous Ranking: 7
- Auburn (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 9
- North Carolina (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 11
- Oregon State (2-1, 2-1 last week), Previous Ranking: 12
- Florida (2-1, 2-1 last week), Previous Ranking: 13
- Tennessee (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 14
- Georgia (2-1, 2-1 last week), Previous Ranking: 15
- Louisville (1-2, 1-2 last week), Previous Ranking: 8
- Florida State (2-0, 2-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 16
- NC State (2-0, 2-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 17
- Kentucky (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 18
- Clemson (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 19
- Southern Miss (2-1, 2-1 last week), Previous Ranking: 20
- Oklahoma (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: NR
- Wake Forest (2-1, 2-1 last week), Previous Ranking: 21
- Miami (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 22
- Texas A&M (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: 25
- West Virginia (3-0, 3-0 last week), Previous Ranking: NR
Dropped Out
- Vanderbilt (1-2, 1-2 last week), Previous Ranking: 23
- Arizona (0-3, 0-3 last week), Previous Ranking: 24
2026 D1Baseball Preseason Top 25 Rankings
- UCLA (48-18)
- LSU (53-15)
- Texas (44-14)
- Mississippi State (36-23)
- Georgia Tech (41-19)
- Coastal Carolina (56-13)
- Arkansas (50-15)
- Louisville (42-24)
- Auburn (41-20)
- TCU (39-20)
- North Carolina (46-15)
- Oregon State (48-16-1)
- Florida (39-22)
- Tennessee (46-19)
- Georgia (43-17)
- Florida State (42-16)
- NC State (35-21)
- Kentucky (31-26)
- Clemson (45-18)
- Southern Miss (47-16)
- Wake Forest (39-22)
- Miami (35-27)
- Vanderbilt (43-18)
- Arizona (44-21)
- Texas A&M (30-26)
Teams At Globe Life Field College Baseball Series
- Oklahoma
- Texas Tech
- TCU
- Vanderbilt
- Oklahoma State
- Arkansas
- Michigan
- Florida State
- Nebraska
- Louisville
- Auburn
- Kansas State
- Arizona State
- Mississippi State
- UCLA
- Tennessee
- Virginia Tech
- Texas A&M
FloBaseball Archived Footage
Video footage from FloBaseball events will be archived and stored in a video library for FloBaseball subscribers.
Join The College Baseball Conversation On Social
Kansas
Tyler Reddick needs OT at Kansas to claim fifth win of NASCAR season
It’s still more than a week until May, but Tyler Reddick already has racked up a fistful of wins.
The 23XI Racing hotshoe passed Kyle Larson in overtime to win the NASCAR Cup Series’ AdventHealth 400 on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, for his fifth victory in nine races.
After Cody Ware spun while leader Denny Hamlin and second-place Reddick were coming to the white flag for the race’s only caution for cause, the field pitted to set up a green-white-checker finish in overtime at Kansas Speedway.
From third, Larson charged past Hamlin on the restart to claim the lead. But second-place Reddick used his No. 45 Toyota to fly by Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet in Turn 1 after the white flag.
He held on to beat the Hendrick Motorsports driver by 0.118 seconds for his 13th career win and become the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to claim five of a season’s first nine races.
Reddick also won for the fourth time in a row when being the polesitter — a run that began Feb. 22 in Atlanta and included victories at Circuit of The Americas and Darlington.
Reddick appeared doomed with a few laps left when he screamed over the radio that he was out of gas, which allowed Hamlin to make what appeared to be the winning pass for the lead.
However, Ware’s spin sent the cars to pit road one last time.
“Just really blessed with the late caution,” said Reddick, who led only 10 laps and spun a Toyota stablemate in overtime’s frantic finish. “Not thrilled that I got Christopher Bell. … These late-race restarts get really crazy. Obviously, I had a run on the 5, and I was just shocked to get to his inside.”
Larson’s car would not turn in the corners.
“It all worked out great, but I was plowing in (Turns) 3 and 4,” said Larson, the race’s defending winner who became the track’s all-time lap leader — he paced 78 of them — but had his winless streak stretch to 33 races. “Reddick was really good there (at the end).”
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin and Bubba Wallace completed the first five finishers.
A Toyota won for the sixth time in the past 11 races at the Midwest speedway.
Polesitter Reddick, Hamlin and Briscoe showed Toyota supremacy early with the first two drivers swapping the lead. Then Hamlin stormed away to a 1.25-second lead 15 circuits into the 267-lap race.
Hamlin lapped up to the 21st-place car — Todd Gilliland — as drivers such as Joey Logano, Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain all were put a lap down. Larson was able to pass Reddick, but Hamlin claimed the 80-lap Stage 1 over Larson followed by Reddick, Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell.
In the second segment, Larson began to assert himself. He immediately snatched the point from Hamlin and led until Lap 125 when he, Hamlin, Chase Elliott and Reddick pitted to split Stage 2’s 85 laps.
The completion of the second stage also was rather tame. Larson claimed the segment followed by Hamlin, Reddick, Elliot and Bell as the only problems were drivers having minor setbacks with tires.
The only cautions through the first two stages were for stage-breaks, not incidents.
On Lap 175 shortly after the restart for the run to the race’s end, Bell maneuvered by Hamlin for the lead. Wallace and Reddick rounded out a four-car Camry train with six of the top nine being Toyotas.
Running third to leader Bell and Reddick, Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Briscoe began the cycle of pits with 52 laps remaining to set up the finish while Reddick and Bell waited five more circuits for service.
Kansas
Kansas Governor signs Caleb’s Law, targeting online sextortion of minors
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Caleb’s Law, strengthening penalties for online sexual extortion targeting children.
Governor Kelly says the law is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, who died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme.
What the Law Does
Caleb’s Law expands Kansas’s existing sexual extortion statute in three key ways:
- Broadens the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images – including AI-generated or digitally altered images
- Increase criminal penalties when an adult offender targets a minor or a dependent adult
- Creates two felony offenses: aggravated sexual extortion causing great bodily harm and aggravated sexual extortion causing death
Under the new law, sexual extortion involving a minor or dependent adult is elevated from a severity level 7 to a severity level 6 person felony for coercive intent cases.
The legislation also elevates a level 4 to a level 3 person felony when the victim is caused to produce or distribute sexual content.
Statewide Education Requirements
House Bill 2537 also directs the Kansas Attorney General to lead a statewide public education effort on sextortion. The AG’s office will:
- Prepare and distribute educational materials for schools, students, parents and the public
- Collaborate with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies
- File an annual report beginning July 1, 2027, to the Governor, legislative leadership and the State Board of Education on implementation progress
The Attorney General’s Office estimates the education effort will require two new positions at a cost of around $213,900 from the State General Fund, rising to an estimated $20,300 in 2028.
In Their Own Words
Gov. Kelly said the law reflects the state’s commitment to keeping pace with digital threats facing children.
“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” she said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”
Rep. Bob Lewis (R-Garden City), who introduced the bill, added that it earned unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.
“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” he stated. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped.”
Rep. Dan Osman (D-Overland Park) credited Caleb Moore’s family for pushing the legislation forward.
“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” he added.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office also voiced strong support, noting the law addresses one of the state’s most urgent child safety threats.
“HB 2537 is a critical measure to protect Kansans from sexual exploitation and ensure public awareness and education on this growing threat,” said Sarah Hortenstine, Division Chief of Youth Services, Kansas Office of the Attorney General.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Bill introduced, referred to House Committee on Judiciary |
| Feb. 5 | House committee hearing held |
| Feb. 16 | Committee recommends passage |
| Feb. 18 | House passes bill unanimously |
| Feb. 25 | Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary |
| March 17 | Senate committee hearing held |
| March 18 | Senate committee recommends passage |
| March 19 | Senate passes bill unanimously |
The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers – with no recorded opposition.
Background: What Is Sextortion?
Officials noted that sextortion is a form of online exploitation in which offenders coerce victims – often minors – into producing sexual images.
Those bad actors then use the images to demand more content, money, or sexual acts, according to investigators.
State leaders said cases can escalate rapidly, and the resulting trauma has led to severe psychological harm and, in some cases, suicide.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
For mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Kansas Losing Momentum With Key Transfer Target After New Visits
Since losing Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller in the transfer portal, Bill Self has been tasked with rebuilding his frontcourt from the 2025-26 campaign. While he has landed former Utah forward Keanu Dawes to succeed Tiller at the four, the Jayhawks’ roster still lacks a true center to replace Louisville commit Bidunga.
One player KU had hoped to add was Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who tormented the Jayhawks when the two schools met this past February. However, the chances of him committing to play in Lawrence appear to be dwindling by the day.
The Senegal native recently wrapped up a trip to St. John’s and is set to visit Ann Arbor on Monday to meet with the defending champions, Michigan.
Source: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam will visit Michigan on Monday.
Recently visited St. John’s.
Averaged 12.8 PPG and 7.1 RPG last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 19, 2026
Kansas was initially supposed to be one of the top schools involved in Thiam’s recruitment, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. The Jayhawks have been relatively quiet so far and haven’t gained much traction toward securing an official visit.
Not only is Michigan a recruiting powerhouse coming off a national title win under second-year head coach Dusty May, but it also boasts one of the largest NIL collectives in the NCAA. If the Wolverines are seriously pursuing Thiam, it likely means he will come at a hefty price tag.
KU is expected to increase the NIL budget this year to handle its roster deficiencies from the past few seasons. Regardless, the program must be strategic with its spending, especially with the decision of 2026 prospect Tyran Stokes still looming.
Who Are Kansas’ Alternatives to Moustapha Thiam?
If the Jayhawks are unable to land Thiam, there are a few alternatives on the open market. Those options may not carry the same hype as the 7-foot-2 phenom, who is ranked as the No. 3 center in 247 Sports’ transfer rankings, but they could still provide solid production nonetheless.
One name to watch is Anton Bonke, another towering big man who has spent time at Providence and most recently Charlotte. He visited KU’s campus earlier this week alongside Dawes and remains a viable option.
Another possible solution could come from within if Paul Mbiya decides to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Kansas. The incoming sophomore flashed his potential during the postseason and is reportedly open to rejoining the program.
Finally, FC Barcelona center Sayon Keita is an international prospect who could make his college decision within the next month or two. He took an official visit to Kansas last July.
Whoever ultimately replaces Bidunga, Self will need to act quickly before the remaining top targets come off the board. Bringing back Mbiya and adding a transfer would be a strong start.
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