Melvin Council Jr. Announces His Return to Kansas
Kansas basketball received another major boost Sunday when Melvin Council Jr. announced that he will return to the Jayhawks for the 2026-27 season.
Council made the announcement after a few days of uncertainty surrounding his future. The former Kansas guard had teased fans Saturday night by mentioning Kentucky, LSU and Michigan on social media, making it seem like he could be considering other options. Instead, Council decided to return to Lawrence and continue his career with the Jayhawks.
The announcement comes after Council received a preliminary injunction against the NCAA from a New York court earlier this week. The ruling gave Council the opportunity to play another season of college basketball while his legal case continues. Kansas Athletics confirmed that Council will begin practicing with the team immediately.
Kansas head coach Bill Self was excited to have one of his most experienced players back with the program.
“After being granted a preliminary injunction to play this season, Melvin Council will begin to practice with us immediately, like Tre White did last week,” Self said. “Melvin was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last season, and had a major impact on our program both on and off the court.”
Council was one of Kansas’ most important players during the 2025-26 season. He started all 35 games and averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. He also earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors after transferring to Kansas from St. Bonaventure. KU Sports reported that Council became an emotional leader for last year's team while also taking on an important role as the Jayhawks' point guard.
His return gives Kansas another veteran presence in a backcourt that already has plenty of young talent. Council brings experience, leadership and the ability to create offense, which could become especially important as the Jayhawks prepare for another challenging Big 12 season.
Council's return also comes shortly after Tre White returned to the program following his own preliminary injunction. With both players back, Self now has another important piece to work with as the team continues preparing for the upcoming season.
For more Kansas basketball coverage, fans can follow the Jayhawk Roundtable homepage.
The Jayhawks have plenty of expectations surrounding them this season, especially with freshmen Tyran Stokes and Taylen Kinney joining an experienced group. Adding Council back to that mix gives Kansas another player who already understands Self's system and what it takes to play at Kansas.
Council's return could also help Kansas during close games. Last season, he showed that he was comfortable handling the ball and making plays in important moments. His experience should give Self another reliable option when the Jayhawks need someone to create offense.
Kansas will now have Council practicing with the team as it gets closer to the start of the 2026-27 season. The Jayhawks are scheduled to play an exhibition against Pitt State on Oct. 16.
After a week filled with questions about where Council would play, Kansas fans finally have their answer. The Dawg is back in Lawrence, and his return could have a major impact on the Jayhawks this season.
