Top-15 overall recruit Tay Kinney commits to Kansas

Tay Kinney, one of the top point guards in the 2026 class, has committed to Kansas, he told Rivals.

The 6-foot-2 rising senior out of Overtime Elite (GA) chose Bill Self and the Jayhawks over schools like Louisville, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and others.

Kinney, a native of Newport, Kentucky, is ranked as the No. 15 overall player in the nation, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He’s also the No. 3 point guard. 

Kinney on his commitment to Kansas

Tay Kinney spoke to Rivals about his commitment. How hard was it for Kinney to reach a decision?

“It was really a no-brainer. The hardest part of it all was just calling the coaches and telling them because I had good relationships with every coach and staff in the top six.”

Why Kansas?

“The University of Kansas. Just because, Bill Self’s background is great.  Kansas is just a winning program. I feel like I’m going to be on that stage to be able to get to the league.”

What was it about Bill Self specifically that made Kinney comfortable enough to commit to the Jayhawks?

“He got pros, you know, how to make pros. And the coaching staff, he’s got Jacque Vaughn. He was an NBA coach, NBA point guard. So just being able to be around that type of person every day in the gym, working out, being coached by him, he knows a lot.”

Looking forward, who does Kinney plan to recruit to Kansas?

“Shoot, I already know one that’s coming. Right when I said I was going, I put that call in. I ain’t going to say his name, but he going to announce. And then trying to get Tyran (Stokes).

Who was the runner-up to Kansas for Kinney?

“It would probably be Arkansas or Louisville,” he said. “Those two.”

Kinney has a message for KU fans.

“Get ready for the show. We’re gonna have the Fieldhouse rocking.”

Kinney a standout at the NBPA Top-100 Camp

Earlier this summer, Tay Kinney was one of the best players at the NBPA Top-100 Camp, earning him First-Team honors. At the prestigous event, Kinney averaged 22 points, five rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while shooting 52% from the field and nearly 48% from three. On3’s Jamie Shaw wrote the following about Kinney:

Tay Kinney brought the fire all weekend and he provided some impressive highlights throughout his four games. The two key factors for Kinney’s game, for me, were his handle and his shooting range.

The 6-foot-2 guard has a slippery handle. He was able to consistently get into the paint and collapse a defense. He showed an array of counter dribbles and step back footwork to find open space to get clean looks. And the shooting was consistent. Throughout the week, Kinney knocked down shots off the catch and off movement. He was both efficient and confident. He will need to continue getting stronger, which should help him become more of a presence on defense, and take better care of possessions, but his talent was undeniable in flashes at the NBPA Top 100 Camp.