Bryson Tiller explains transfer from Kansas basketball to Missouri

LAWRENCE — Bryson Tiller enjoyed, for the most part, a breakout season with Kansas basketball.

During the 2025-26 campaign, Tiller emerged as a starter for the Jayhawks. The freshman forward would go on to start 31 of his 35 appearances, and average 7.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Although down the stretch in postseason play there were issues with production, there was still promise for how the 6-foot-11, 240-pound athlete could progress in the future.

But Tiller decided to transfer following the end of this past season, and continue his college career elsewhere. Not just that, as he also decided that he would take his talents to rival Missouri. And following his recent commitment, he addressed how he feels about switching sides in the rivalry.

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“I’m extremely ready,” Tiller said during an interview with The Field of 68. “I’m going to embrace it. I’m with the (Missouri) Tigers, so, I’m excited to win. I’m excited to play with my teammates, and I’m excited to dominate overall.”

Tiller noted that, following the season, he was looking for a fresh start and had a pretty good list of options in front of him. Although the process in the portal was much quicker than what it was like coming out of high school, he’s known Missouri coach Dennis Gates for years and appreciates the plan Gates has for him. Tiller trusts what both is possible for him at Missouri personally, as he looks to make it to the next level, and team-wise.

From Tiller’s perspective, he expects to be used everywhere on the court, and considering he’s healthy this offseason he’s also excited about the jump he might be able to make. Tiller had redshirted after he enrolled early during the 2024-25 season. He considers himself a versatile player who can fill a role similar to that of the one Mark Mitchell had in recent years with the Tigers.

Tiller did help KU beat Missouri this past season, during a neutral site game in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas routed Missouri that day, winning 80-60. He finished with 13 points and five rebounds.