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2026 Five-Star Guard Taylen Kinney Lists Kansas In Top 8

Originally posted on Heartland College Sports
By Brian McQuillen | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 2:47 PM ET

Class of 2026 five-star point guard Taylen Kinney released his top eight programs, with the Kansas Jayhawks making the cut, per Joe Tipton.

The 6-foot-2 prospect is also considering Kentucky, Oregon, Texas, Louisville, Arkansas, Miami, and Indiana ahead of his senior season with Overtime Elite in Georgia.

Kinney has an official visit scheduled with the Jayhawks on Aug. 22. In an interview with Rivals, the rising senior said he is excited to see Kansas take the court this year.

NEWS: 2026 Top-15 overall recruit Tay Kinney is down to eight schools, he tells @Rivals.

The 6-2 rising senior is one of the top point guards in the country.

https://t.co/wqOlODaGZP pic.twitter.com/NZoCqUZqHN
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) August 21, 2025

“Bill Self, he’s a great coach. He’s got a National Championship,” Kinney said. “I really want to see what they do with DP (Darryn Peterson) this year. But I think he will do good. I think it’s a good program.”

He currently sits as the 15th-best prospect in the 2026 cycle and No. 3 overall at his position.

Statistically, Kinney’s impact at Overtime Elite has matched the hype. This past season, he averaged 20.1 points, five assists, four rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 55.6% from the field and roughly 33% from three-point range.

The Jayhawks have produced elite point guards in the past, with recent examples like Devonte Graham, Frank Mason III, and Dajuan Harris Jr.

Kansas is looking to build off a 21-13 finish in 2024-25 after being knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

This article first appeared on Heartland College Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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