By Jayson Henderson

Kansas has been selected as the favorite to win the Big 12 in the coaches’ preseason poll for the 21st time in 28 years. Kansas received nine of the 15 first-place votes, narrowly edging out Houston, who had five.

Kansas center Hunter Dickinson was named the Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, the first player in conference history to earn the honor twice. He was also a unanimous pick for the Preseason All-Big 12 First Team.

Dickinson leads a Kansas team that returns three starters from last year’s 23-11 squad, including Dajuan Harris Jr., who was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team. Kansas opens its season aiming to continue its historic success in the conference.

Kansas last won the Big 12 regular-season title in 2022 and will look to reclaim the top spot this year.