Darryn Peterson's latest exit borders on indefensible as star proves hindrance to Kansas' national title hopes
CBS Sports
by
Kyle Boone
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Darryn Peterson's recurring early exits from games have cast doubt over his availability and raised concerns about how this impacts Kansas' national title hopes. Despite being a standout guard with potential to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Peterson has missed significant time due to injuries like quad cramps, hamstring strains, ankle issues, and even flu-like symptoms. His latest exit came against Oklahoma State, where he left the game with 17:22 remaining and did not return, leaving coach Bill Self visibly frustrated. While some of these absences can be justified, his pattern of leaving games early has become increasingly indefensible, with fans questioning whether he is prioritizing his draft stock over team success.
Peterson's injury history this season includes playing in only 15 out of Kansas' 26 games, and among those appearances, he has exited early in three games—BYU, Iowa State, and Oklahoma State. His unpredictability has made it difficult for the coaching staff to plan for future games, as they struggle to anticipate his availability. Self admitted postgame that he was caught off guard by Peterson's decision to leave against OSU, noting that the team had learned to adapt without him but acknowledged the situation was far from ideal.
The stakes are high for Kansas, as Peterson's inconsistent availability disrupts the team's continuity and creates distractions. His absence has forced the Jayhawks to rely on their depth and resilience, but it remains unclear how sustainable this approach is. Meanwhile, comparisons to other players like Arkansas' Darius Acuff, who played heroically despite injuries, highlight the contrast in Peterson's approach. Self's ability to maintain team cohesion while navigating these challenges is nothing short of remarkable, though the long-term implications for Kansas' title hopes remain uncertain.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026