Picks, Predictions & How to Watch Kansas vs Iowa State
By Victor Williams in College Basketball
Published:
- No. 9 Kansas and No. 5 Iowa State face off on Saturday afternoon
- Kansas freshman star Darryn Peterson will return to the lineup
- Iowa State looks for revenge after 21-point loss to Kansas last month
The Kansas Jayhawks (19-5) and Iowa State Cyclones (21-3) are set to clash in a pivotal matchup that could significantly shape the direction of both teams’ seasons. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET at James H. Hilton Coliseum on ABC.
Kansas has logged eight consecutive wins, a run that started with an 84–63 blowout of Iowa State at home on Jan. 13. The dominance continued Monday night when the Jayhawks knocked off previously undefeated Arizona, doing so without standout guard Darryn Peterson at their disposal.
Our deep-dive analysis breaks down the key angles for this top-10 battle.
Kansas vs Iowa State Picks & Predictions
Iowa State enters the game as a strong home favorite in Saturday’s college basketball odds despite being 5-3 since a 16-0 start to the year. Although Kansas will be traveling to a raucous environment, 6.5 points is a generous number here for Iowa State.
Spread Pick: Kansas +6.5 (-105 at DraftKings)
The Jayhawks have won by an average margin of 12 points during this winning streak and are getting back their top scorer in Darryn Peterson. The projected top-three NBA Draft pick is averaging 20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 48.9% from the field and 41.9% from long-range.
The Cyclones are 13-0 at home, but they were just held to a season-low 55 points by 15-9 TCU team. With the momentum currently in Kansas’ favor, a decisive doesn’t seem likely for Iowa State.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOKUSE CODE SBD1500 TO GET UP TO $1,500 PAID BACK
BET365 SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS WITH CODE DIME365
THESCORE BET SPORTSBOOKUSE CODE DIME TO GET 100% BET RESET UP TO $1,000
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $300 IN BONUS BETS IF YOUR BET WINS
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $100 IF YOUR BET WINS
CAESARS SPORTSBOOKUSE CODE SBD250BM & GET A BET MATCH ON YOUR FIRST BET UP TO $250!
FANATICS SPORTSBOOKGET 100% BET MATCH UP TO $100 FOR 10 DAYS
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
BET365 SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.
Kansas vs Iowa State Tale of the Tape
Key Mismatch: Iowa State has the clear edge in steals. If they can create defensive pressure on Kansas playmakers, the Cyclones will have a chance to remain undefeated on their home floor.
Kansas vs Iowa State Odds
- Moneyline: Kansas +245 | Iowa State -305
- Spread: Kansas +6.5 (-105) | Iowa State -6.5 (-115)
- Total: Over 146.5 (-108) | Under 146.5 (-112)
Odds as of February 24, 2026, at 4:30 AM ET from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Moneyline Payout Calculation
For bettors assessing the risk-reward ratio on a standard $20 wager:
- Betting Kansas: (+245): Returns a profit of $49.00 (Total Payout: $69.00)
- Betting Iowa State: (-305): Returns a profit of $6.56 (Total Payout: $26.56)
Kansas vs Iowa State Public-Betting Splits
The data from Saturday’s college basketball public betting percentages reveal confidence in Iowa State coming out on top in a high-scoring affair.
Moneyline Splits
The market views Iowa State as a comfortable piece in a parlay, while the money is following the team with upside.
- Kansas Jayhawks: 82% of bets | 46% of money
- Iowa State Cyclones: 18% of bets | 54% of money
ATS Splits
The spread market highlights an opportunity to back a surging underdog.
- Kansas Jayhawks: 70% of bets, 52% of money
- Iowa State Cyclones: 30% of bets, 48% of money
Total Market
The public is anticipating fireworks and respecting both offenses.
- Over 145.5: 71% of bets, $78% of money
- Under 145.5: 29% of bets, 22% of money
Kansas & Iowa March Madness Odds
The fallout from this game will have heavy implications on the March Madness odds.
Kansas
- Open: +2000
- Now: +1500
Iowa State
- Open: +4500
- Now: +1800
How to Watch Kansas at Iowa State?
Viewers will be able to watch Kansas vs. Iowa State live on ABC.
Sign Up for SBD’s Newsletter Now
Did you want the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, betting trends, and relevant data straight to your inbox? If so, you’ll want to subscribe to SBD’s newsletter now!
