Few states have the intrinsic connection to a sport the Sunflower State does with the hardwood. Between basketball inventor James Naismith’s tenure in Lawrence and the Kansas Jayhawks’ steady presence in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, it’s no wonder Kansans are batty about March Madness.
As the Jayhawks race their way towards a 33rd consecutive tournament berth and sit among the favorites to hoist the hardware in Houston (sitting at +1300 to win it all at BetMGM Sportsbook Kansas), now is a good time to assess just how March Madness-obsessed the Sunflower State is.
Kansas State is also having a steady season, with a 19-7 record to its name, though the Wildcats are 1-4 in their last 5 as they look to make the field for the first time since 2019.
The Wildcats are currently tabbed as a four seed in the Midwest Region in Joe Lunardi’s latest bracket, facing off against 13th-seed Southern Mississippi in the first round of the tournament.
BetKansas.com utilized Google Trends to look at the highest search volume of the terms “March Madness,” “College Basketball” and “NCAA Tournament” in the United States over the past 30 days. After gathering data Feb. 16, we determined the states with the most interest in the upcoming event.
Here’s where Kansas ranked among the states that showed the most interest in March Madness, and it's no surprise the state that has readily embraced Kansas sports betting is geared up for the Jayhawks' attempt to repeat.
Where Kansas Ranks On Our List
With the Jayhawks sitting in prime position for a top seed in the Big Dance (holding the No. 1 seed in the East Region in Lunardi’s latest mock bracket), it’s no wonder basketball madness has returned to Kansas.
Nationally, the state trailed only Indiana in its interest in the subject of March Madness, with a score of 2.3 (to Indiana’s 1.7).
Kansas ranked ahead of other heavy hitters, such as Iowa (4.3), Nebraska (6.3) and Kentucky (7.3), in residents’ commitment to the March staple.
With the Jayhawks and Wildcats primed to return to the 68-team hoopla, it’s no wonder the Sunflower State is so invested in March Madness. We'd expect heavy action on Kansas betting apps.
States With Most Interest in 2023 NCAA Tournament
Where Kansas, K-State Rank Heading Into March Madness
It seems the Jayhawks are primed to capture their 18th Big 12 regular season title since 2000 this spring, sitting in a three-way tie with Texas and Baylor at 9-4 in league play.
Overall, KU is 21-5 this season with wins over five ranked teams, including No. 5 Texas on Feb. 6.
The Jayhawks have more opportunities to take down ranked foes down the stretch, with a home showdown against No. 9 Baylor at Phog Allen on Saturday and road clashes against No. 22 TCU (Feb. 20) and the Longhorns (March 4) to come.
With five games left and three home contests to go, it appears now is the time for Kansans to get in the March Madness spirit and check out a DraftKings Kansas promo.
Down the road, the Wildcats are sitting at 19-7 in Year One of the Jerome Tang era, though they need to regain their form heading into their homestand against No. 19 Iowa State and the ninth-ranked Bears on Saturday and Wednesday.
Kansas State has recent losses to the Jayhawks, Longhorns, Red Raiders and Sooners, offset by a 21-point home win over the Horned Frogs.
They close out the regular season with games against Oklahoma State and West Virginia on the road, to go with a home clash at The Octagon against the Sooners, priming March Madness interest in the state.
Based on search results, it seems Jayhawks and K-State fans have jumped at the chance to do just that.
Keep it here for more Kansas hoops coverage, plus the best Kansas sports betting promos.
