Jayhawks Line Up Key Visit From Top 2026 Prospect

Kansas basketball is set to host one of the top prospects in the country. Tahj Ariza, a five-star forward in the Class of 2026 and the son of former NBA champion Trevor Ariza, has announced plans to visit Lawrence.

Ariza is a rising name in recruiting circles, bringing length, athleticism, and pedigree to the table. At 6-foot-6, he projects as a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions and score at all three levels. National outlets have consistently ranked him among the best in his class, and his combination of skill and frame has drawn offers from blue-blood programs across the country.

For Kansas, this is the kind of visit that underscores Bill Self’s continued dominance on the recruiting trail. The Jayhawks already own one of the most consistent pipelines for elite forwards, and Ariza’s profile fits the mold of players who thrive in Self’s system. Adding the son of a 14-year NBA veteran and champion with the Los Angeles Lakers would also continue KU’s tradition of attracting players with high-level basketball backgrounds.

The 2026 recruiting cycle is still early, but momentum is key. Kansas consistently positions itself to land official visits from elite players, and securing Ariza’s attention puts the Jayhawks squarely in the mix. With Kansas expected to remain a top contender nationally over the next several years, this visit could be the start of a long pursuit.

Ariza’s recruitment will draw heavy attention as more programs enter the race, but Kansas has once again put itself at the center of the conversation.