Five-Star Guard Taylen Kinney Commits to Kansas

Taylen “Tay” Kinney, a five-star Class of 2026 point guard from Newport, Kentucky and widely regarded as the top point guard in the class, has committed to the Kansas Jayhawks. Kinney chose Kansas over finalists Louisville, Kentucky, Arkansas, Indiana and Oregon, ending a lengthy recruitment that many expected to favor in-state Louisville. He starred in Overtime Elite, averaging roughly 20.1 points, 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game and also produced on the 3SSB circuit. Kinney said Kansas’ winning tradition, Bill Self’s program and the staff’s player-development pitch, including Jacque Vaughn, convinced him Kansas was the best path to the NBA. He announced his decision live on CBS Sports HQ and is expected to be an immediate floor general and leader for the Jayhawks.