Kansas Freshman Star Darryn Peterson Extends Absence With Hamstring Injury Update

Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who is recovering from a right hamstring strain, will miss upcoming matchups against Notre Dame and Syracuse as the Jayhawks prepare for the Player’s Era Festival. Head coach Bill Self confirmed that Peterson is out for the “immediate future,” marking his fourth straight game sidelined. The Darryn Peterson injury update comes as Kansas enters one of its toughest early-season stretches.

Summary Bullet Points

• Peterson has missed three consecutive games with a slight hamstring strain.

• Bill Self says the team will not rush him back.

• Kansas faces Notre Dame and Syracuse next at the Player’s Era Festival.

• The freshman averaged 21.5 points in his first two games.

• No official timetable for his return.

Key Details

Peterson suffered a slight right hamstring strain earlier this month and has remained unavailable due to lingering tightness. According to Self, the training staff will wait until the freshman can fully accelerate, push off, and move explosively without discomfort. Kansas is prioritizing long-term health rather than rushing him into early-season matchups.

What Officials Said

Following Kansas’ loss to Duke, Self emphasized that Peterson is undergoing top-level treatment and wants to return quickly, but the staff is being cautious. “He has to be completely confident before he comes back,” Self said, reiterating that the team will not jeopardize the guard’s season.

Impact on Kansas’ Rotation

Through two games, Peterson averaged 21.5 points on 60% shooting, including 50% from beyond the arc, establishing himself as Kansas’ most dynamic offensive weapon. In his absence, the Jayhawks have leaned on Tre White, Melvin Council Jr., and Kohl Rosario—none of whom replicate his scoring burst. The team has gone 2–1 without him, beating Texas A&M–Corpus Christi and Princeton but falling to No. 5 Duke.

Upcoming Schedule Pressure

Kansas now prepares for Notre Dame and Syracuse at the Player’s Era Festival, followed by major opponents including UConn, Missouri, and NC State. Without Peterson, Kansas loses both scoring efficiency and perimeter defense, putting added pressure on its backcourt depth.

Kansas is navigating one of its most challenging early slates in recent years. Peterson’s early-season dominance raised expectations for the program’s offense, but his injury has forced the team into more ball movement and defensive pressure-based strategies. While the Jayhawks remain optimistic he won’t be out long, there is still no firm timetable for his return.