Darryn Peterson is widely projected to be a top-two pick at the 2026 NBA Draft. He is arguably the most gifted scorer in his draft class, and his shot-making ability helps make a legitimate case to be the No. 1 overall pick.
Peterson’s biggest competition is BYU’s AJ Dybantsa. Regardless, he is on the brink of making history. In addition to his own draft situation, the former Kansas Jayhawks will also achieve a rare sports milestone in 2026.
For the first time ever, two brothers will enter the NBA and the NFL in the same year. Darryn’s brother, Darryl Peterson III, is a linebacker who played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2021 to 2025.
Darryl entered the NFL Draft this year but remained undrafted. However, he has now signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams. He was part of the 18-player group that signed with the Rams.
Unlike Darryl, his brother is guaranteed to be in the NBA. Even if he can’t secure the No. 1 overall spot, he will be the No. 2 or No. 3 pick. With that, they will make history as the first brothers to enter the NBA and the NFL in the same year.
Darryn spoke about his brother at the NBA Draft Combine and heaped praise on him.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but my brother played football at Wisconsin. He’s a really good football player, and he just got signed with the LA Rams. We grew up working and having the same dream, different sport and it’s just super cool to see him achieve his, and me, hopefully next month, achieve mine,” he said.
The former Kansas star gave all credit to their parents for all the sacrifices they made to put them in these positions. Although it’s their hard work that has brought them to this stage, Darryn believes that without their parents’ sacrifice, this wouldn’t have been possible.
Darryn Peterson on Why He Should Be the No. 1 Pick
Peterson’s work ethic has been questioned over the last few months after he started missing games for Kansas and playing limited minutes. Before that, he was a heavy favorite to be the No. 1 draft pick.
During an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Peterson was asked why he thinks he should be the No. 1 pick, and he gave a confident response.
“I feel like I’m the best. Any team I feel like I’m placed on, I can go in and make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball,” he said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make my team better and help my team win.”
Peterson silenced his doubters at the combine and pushed his name up in the top draft pick conversations.
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