Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson to return vs. Iowa State

Field Level Media|published: Fri 13th February, 21:22 2026

Feb 7, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) shoots against Utah Utes forward Josh Hayes (7) during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

After sitting out against the No. 1 team in the country, Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson will be back in time to face No. 5.

Kansas coach Bill Self told ESPN on Friday that Peterson was "good to go" when the ninth-ranked Jayhawks visit fifth-ranked Iowa State on Saturday.

Peterson sat out with flu-like symptoms on Monday when the Jayhawks hosted No. 1 Arizona. Kansas was able to win without him, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season, 82-78.

Peterson is considered one of the frontrunners to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft this June, but he has played in just 13 of Kansas' 24 games due to multiple ailments, including quad and hamstring injuries.

He has averaged 20.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 48.9% from the field and 41.9% from the arc this year. Peterson had 16 points when Kansas took down Iowa State 84-63 back on Jan. 13, marking the Cyclones' first loss of the season.

--Field Level Media