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1h ago

Kansas Lands Five-Star PG Taylen Kinney as First 2026 Commit

The Overtime Elite standout is Kansas’ early cornerstone for a backcourt reset under Bill Self.

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Mar 20, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Kinney announced his decision live on CBS Sports HQ, choosing Kansas over Kentucky, Louisville, Arkansas, Indiana and Oregon.
  • He is a five-star prospect ranked the No. 1 point guard in 2026 by 247Sports and averaged 20.1 points and 5.0 assists last season with Overtime Elite.
  • An August visit to Lawrence shifted momentum toward KU after a summer led by Louisville, following trips to all six finalists.
  • Relationships with Bill Self and new assistant Jacque Vaughn were pivotal, with Kinney citing player development and trust as deciding factors.
  • He becomes KU’s first 2026 pledge, positioning him to lead a retooled guard rotation as Kansas projects turnover with Darryn Peterson viewed as a one-and-done and multiple transfers in their final year of eligibility.