UPDATE: Five-star senior Taylen Kinney, the No. 4 point guard in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT rankings, has officially committed to the Kansas Jayhawks as of Sunday. This decision marks a significant development for the Jayhawks as they secure the No. 17 overall recruit in the upcoming class.
Kinney, standing at 6-feet-3, was also considering top programs like Louisville, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and Oregon. His commitment to Kansas is particularly impactful after an August visit that shifted the momentum towards the Jayhawks, who had been trailing Louisville for most of the summer.
“It felt like family from the time I got there until I left,” Kinney told ESPN, highlighting the strong connection he felt during his visit.
During his recruitment process, Kinney built a rapport with Bill Self, Kansas’ head coach, and Jacque Vaughn, the new assistant coach and former NBA head coach. Kinney praised Self, stating, “He has developed professionals. He is truthful, kindhearted and down to earth.”
The Kentucky native, who plays for the Overtime Elite program, is known for his playmaking abilities, scoring prowess, and aggressive driving style. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, shooting an impressive 65% inside the arc and 33.3% from three-point range.
Kinney’s commitment is not only a win for Kansas but also signifies the program’s continuing trend of attracting elite talent. He becomes the first commitment for the 2026 class and follows last year’s acquisition of potential No. 1 NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson.
Looking ahead, the Jayhawks remain in contention for top-50 prospect Davion Adkins, who could make a decision soon. Additionally, they are set to host Ethan Taylor, the No. 3 center, for a visit this weekend. Kansas fans are eager to see how this recruitment unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kinney and the Jayhawks as they continue to build a formidable roster for the upcoming seasons.