The Kansas Jayhawks are one of the most iconic names in college sports, known for excellence across multiple programs. With legendary success in Kansas Jayhawks basketball and a growing legacy in Kansas Jayhawks women’s basketball, the university continues to shape NCAA history. Its tradition of championships and elite athletes makes it a powerhouse on and off the court.
College Sports Established
1865
Location
Lawrence, Kansas
College Name
University of Kansas
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1996 - Present / Big 12 Conference
1964 – 1996 / Big Eight Conference
1947 – 1964 / Big Seven Conference
1928 – 1947 / Big Six Conference
1907 – 1928 / Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Jayhawks - The Kansas Jayhawks are one of the most iconic teams in college sports, and their nickname has a long and storied history. The origin of the name dates back to 1866 when two Civil War veterans from Kansas adopted it as their own after hearing a song about “Jayhawkers” during an expedition in Missouri.
Kansas Jayhawks Origin
At that time, "Jayhawks" was slang for plundering or stealing, which made sense considering these two veterans had just returned from war. They decided to use this term as part of their identity, and thus began the tradition that still stands today: cheering on your beloved Jayhawks!
The mascot itself is based on an American bird native to North America called a blue jay—a fitting symbol for such a hard-working team who never gives up no matter what obstacles they face. In addition, many fans believe there is also some symbolism behind choosing this particular bird; its bright colors represent courage while its wings embody freedom—two qualities every great athlete should strive for on and off the court/field/track/etc...
In short, whether you're rooting for them at home games or showing your support with apparel around town (or even online!), make sure you show love towards those courageous birds known affectionately as The Kansas Jayhawks!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 6
2022, 2008, 1988, 1952, 1923, 1922
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1952
- 1958
- 1988
- 1988
- 2008
- 2022
-
Kansas Jayhawks second national championship
In 1952: The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team won its second national championship, as recognized by the NCAA. The team finished with a 28-3 record and was led by Clyde Lovellette, who was the first player to lead the nation in scoring and win the NCAA title in the same year. The team also featured future Hall of Famers Dean ... -
Jayhawks First Superstar – Wilt Chamberlain
On December 3, 1956, Chamberlain made his varsity debut as a center. In his first game, he scored 52 points and grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time Kansas records in an 87–69 win against Northwestern, who had Chamberlain’s future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick. Teammate Monte Johnson testified to his athleticism: “Wilt … had unbelievable endurance and speed … and was ... -
Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team won its third national championship
In 1988: The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team won its third national championship, as recognized by the NCAA. -
coach Larry Brown
In 1988, The Jayhawks team finished with a 27-11 record and was coached by Larry Brown, who became the first coach to win both an NCAA and an NBA title -
Kansas NCAA Basketball Champs 2008
The 2007–08 Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team represented the University of Kansas for the NCAA Division I men’s intercollegiate basketball season of 2007–08, which was the Jayhawks’ 110th Season. The team was led by Bill Self in his fifth season as head coach. The team played its home games in Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. The Jayhawks finished the season ... -
Jayhawks Incredible Comeback Win for the 2022 Basketball Season
The 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament involved 68 teams playing in a single-elimination tournament that determined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men’s college basketball national champion for the 2021–22 season. The 83rd annual edition of the tournament began on March 15, 2022, and concluded with the championship game on April 4 at the Caesars Superdome ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Kansas Jayhawks History
The Kansas Jayhawks are one of the most storied programs in college sports. They have built a national reputation for success in both men’s and women’s athletics, competing fiercely against rivals such as the Kansas State Wildcats. Since first joining NCAA Division I sports in 1890, the Kansas Jayhawks have become one of the most recognized names in American college athletics.
The heart of this tradition is Kansas Jayhawks basketball, which has set the standard for excellence for over a century. The team has reached 15 Final Fours and captured three national championships in 1952, 1988, and 2008. Kansas Jayhawks basketball has produced two National Players of the Year—Danny Manning and Raef LaFrentz—and seven players who are now enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Many notable NBA stars, including Paul Pierce and Joel Embiid, began their journeys with the Kansas Jayhawks basketball program.
Beyond men’s basketball, the Kansas Jayhawks women’s basketball program has steadily grown in prominence. It has produced multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, talented athletes who have gone on to play professionally, and a tradition of strong recruiting classes. The rise of Kansas Jayhawks women’s basketball has strengthened the university’s reputation as a two-sport powerhouse.
Success at Kansas also extends to football. Since joining what is now the Big 12 Conference in 1996, the Kansas Jayhawks have earned 11 conference titles and made multiple bowl appearances. Their biggest moment came in the 2007 season, when the team defeated Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl and secured a No. 7 final ranking in the AP Poll, marking one of the program’s best years.
Jayhawks Achievements
Across all sports, the Kansas Jayhawks have consistently excelled at both men’s and women’s athletics. They have earned countless conference titles, individual awards, and All-American honors in multiple disciplines. This strong history reflects the university’s commitment to supporting elite student-athletes and maintaining one of the most respected programs in the NCAA.
Looking ahead, Kansas Jayhawks basketball continues to be the crown jewel of the university’s athletic tradition, while the steady rise of Kansas Jayhawks women’s basketball adds new milestones every season. Together with a growing presence in football and other sports, the Kansas Jayhawks stand as a symbol of sustained excellence and competitive spirit in American college athletics.
Sports Fan Products
