Former Utah forward Keanu Dawes is transferring to the Kansas Jayhawks after a standout season. He will also explore options in the NBA draft.
Utah forward Keanu Dawes (8) dunks during the second half of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Former University of Utah star forward Keanu Dawes is reportedly joining one of the elite programs in college basketball.
Multiple national insiders reported early Thursday that Dawes, who is coming off a career year, will transfer within the Big 12 as he joins the Kansas Jayhawks.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony additionally reported that Dawes will also “test the NBA waters.”
The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists — all career highs — for the Runnin’ Utes last season under first-year head coach Alex Jensen.
Dawes, who played his first collegiate season at Rice before transferring to Utah two offseasons ago, shot 54.6% from the floor during the 2025-26 campaign, often getting his points on putbacks and dunks.
He’s also been developing his ability to space the floor and made a career-best 32 3-pointers last season, averaging one made 3 per game.
Dawes will have one more year of eligibility remaining.
He reportedly visited Kansas earlier this week, and his former teammate at Utah, guard Terrence Brown, has also taken an official visit to the school.
When Utah lost to Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse this past season, Dawes scored 22 points — one off his career high — and grabbed 12 rebounds while shooting 10 of 13 from the field, with two 3-pointers.
He had nine double-double during the year and was fourth in the Big 12 in rebounding.
Keanu Dawes is transferring to Kansas to join one of the elite programs in college basketball after a successful season at Utah.
Keanu Dawes had a career year at Utah, showcasing his skills as a forward before deciding to transfer to Kansas.
Yes, Keanu Dawes will also test the NBA waters while transferring to Kansas.
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