BREAKING: Five-star senior Taylen Kinney, the No. 4 point guard in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT rankings, has just announced his commitment to the Kansas Jayhawks. This pivotal decision comes as Kinney, ranked No. 17 overall in his class, chose Kansas over a competitive field that included Louisville, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and Oregon.
Kinney made his announcement on Sunday, confirming a shift in momentum toward the Jayhawks after a crucial visit in August. He stated, “It felt like family from the time I got there until I left,” highlighting the strong connection he felt during his trip. The visit included personal interactions with coaches and an engaging experience at a football game, where fans recognized him immediately.
The 6-foot-3 guard, who plays for the Overtime Elite program, has impressed with his scoring and playmaking abilities. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, demonstrating his versatility by shooting 65% inside the arc and 33.3% from beyond the three-point line. His performance on the Adidas 3SSB circuit further solidified his reputation, averaging 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
Kinney’s commitment marks Kansas’ first for the 2026 class, following last year’s acquisition of five-star point guard Darryn Peterson, who is projected as a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick. The Jayhawks are currently well-positioned for other top prospects, including Davion Adkins, a top-50 recruit who may soon make a decision, and Ethan Taylor, the No. 3 center, who is visiting this weekend.
Kinney’s decision is not just significant for Kansas; it also reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball recruiting, where relationships with coaching staff play a crucial role. Kinney expressed admiration for head coach Bill Self, stating, “He has developed professionals. He is truthful, kindhearted and down to earth.” His relationship with new assistant coach Jacque Vaughn also influenced his choice, as Kinney praised Vaughn’s straightforward approach.
As the basketball season approaches, Kinney’s commitment is expected to have immediate implications for the Jayhawks’ recruiting strategy and future success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Kansas builds on this momentum and seeks to secure additional top talent.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
