Kansas and Louisville will renew their exhibition series this fall, but this year’s matchup carries a much different storyline.
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The Jayhawks are scheduled to host the Cardinals on Oct. 21 at Allen Fieldhouse as part of the second game of a home-and-home exhibition series that began last preseason. Louisville hosted last year’s exhibition at the KFC Yum! Center, where Kansas earned an eight-point victory.
This time, however, all eyes will be on former Kansas center Flory Bidunga.
After spending two seasons with the Jayhawks, Bidunga transferred to Louisville during the offseason, setting up his first return to Allen Fieldhouse wearing an opposing uniform. The exhibition will mark his first appearance in Lawrence since entering the transfer portal following the 2025-26 campaign.
Bidunga appeared in 69 games during his Kansas career, making 40 starts while averaging 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. The former five-star recruit developed into one of the Big 12’s top defensive players before departing for Louisville.
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The exhibition is expected to provide fans with their first opportunity to see Kansas’ rebuilt roster against a high-major opponent before the regular season begins.
It will also come just five days after the Jayhawks host Pittsburg State in their annual preseason exhibition on Oct. 16, the same evening as Late Night in the Phog.
Kansas enters the season with a revamped roster led by freshman Tyran Stokes, the nation’s No. 1 recruit, along with several transfer additions expected to play significant roles under head coach Bill Self.
Louisville will also feature one of the country’s most intriguing new-look rosters after adding Bidunga during the offseason.
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While exhibition games do not count in the standings, the matchup is expected to generate considerable interest as Kansas fans welcome back one of the program’s most recognizable former players.
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