UPDATE: In a major development for college basketball, five-star recruit Taylen Kinney, the No. 4 point guard in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT rankings, has officially committed to the Kansas Jayhawks as of Sunday. The 6-foot-3 prospect, ranked No. 17 overall in the 2026 class, selected Kansas over a competitive field that included Louisville, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and Oregon.
Kinney’s decision marks a significant turning point in his recruitment, which had seen Kansas lag behind Louisville for much of the summer. An impactful visit to Kansas in August shifted the momentum, leading Kinney to declare, “It felt like family from the time I got there until I left.” His experiences included tours of the school and facilities, as well as quality time with the coaching staff, solidifying his choice.
The star point guard formed strong relationships with head coach Bill Self and new assistant coach Jacque Vaughn, who has an impressive background as a former Kansas player and two-time NBA head coach. Kinney praised Self’s winning track record, stating, “He has developed professionals. He is truthful, kindhearted and down to earth.”
Kinney, hailing from Kentucky and currently playing for the Overtime Elite program, is known for his dynamic playmaking skills. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking prowess. He shot 65% inside the arc and 33.3% from beyond the three-point line.
Kinney’s commitment is a critical addition for Kansas, marking their first recruit in the 2026 class and following the successful acquisition of five-star point guard Darryn Peterson for the 2025 class, who is projected as a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick. The Jayhawks are also in the mix for top-50 prospect Davion Adkins, who could soon announce his decision, and are hosting Ethan Taylor, the No. 3 center, for a visit this weekend.
As Kinney joins the ranks of the Kansas Jayhawks, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for how this commitment shapes the future of the team. This latest development reaffirms Kansas’ standing as a powerhouse in college basketball recruiting, igniting excitement for the upcoming seasons.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story as the Jayhawks aim to build a championship-caliber roster.
