Trey Kaufman-Renn Commits to Kansas, Ex-Purdue Big Man Was Drafted by Timberwolves in 2026

Kansas announced Monday it signed former Purdue star Trey Kaufman-Renn ahead of the 2026-27 men's basketball season.

"Trey Kaufman-Renn, who had a tremendous career at Purdue, has enrolled in classes, and is practicing with us as of Sunday," head coach Bill Self said . "He reached the national championship game, the Elite Eight and the Sweet 16 at Purdue and has been extremely well-drilled and well-coached. Even though it's late in the process, because of his basketball IQ, we think his transition will be quicker than most put in the same circumstance."

The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Kaufman-Renn in the second round of the 2026 NBA draft. He won a preliminary injunction earlier this month that opened the door for him to receive one more year of college eligibility.

The Jayhawks said the 6'9" forward will replace true freshman Grant Mordini, who will be sidelined for the entire season because of a patellar injury. Going from Mordini to Kaufman-Renn would be a massive upgrade to the frontcourt.

In his final two seasons with the Boilermakers, Kaufman-Renn averaged 17.1 points on 58.7 percent shooting along with 7.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He was a first-team All-Big Ten honoree for 2024-25 and then merited selection on the All-Region team in the 2026 NCAA tournament.

Kaufman-Renn's legal saga isn't over, however, so it remains to be seen how much — if at all — he'll suit up for Kansas. The NCAA could appeal the injunction, a step that would cast renewed uncertainty over his eligibility.

Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. are in the same boat after having returned to the Jayhawks.

Assuming all three of the experienced transfers are cleared, Self will have a formidable squad. White and Council will provide experience and continuity alongside Tyran Stokes , the No. 1 overall player in 247Sports' composite rankings for 2026.

Kansas opens the regular season on Nov. 2 against Fordham.