Top 2026 recruit Natalie Kussow commits to Minnesota

Top 2026 recruit Natalie Kussow committed to the Minnesota Gophers on Sunday evening. The 5-11 guard from Hartland (WI) Arrowhead High School chose the Gophers over offers from Michigan, Duke and others. 

“One of the biggest things for me basketball-wise is style of play,” Kussow previously told On3 of the factors she was considering. “I’m used to playing a faster pace style of play, so I really enjoy playing that way. The other thing is team culture – culture within my teammates, a good relationship with the coaches and all that.”

Kussow is one of the best wings in the Class of 2026 and was named the Gatorade 2024-25 Player of the Year. Through 28 games in her high school season, she averaged 26.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.8 steals, three assists and one block per game. 

“Natalie is a special player,” Muskego High head coach Erik Loose told Gatorade. “She has a very high basketball IQ, great instincts and can score at all three levels. As much game-planning as possible may be able to limit her scoring—if you’re lucky—but it’s nearly impossible to prevent her from impacting the game in multiple ways.”

Kussow will join the Gophers for the 2026-27 season, bringing her high IQ and energy to the Big Ten. 

“I would say I describe my playing style as a faster playing style,” Kussow told Rivals. “I like to get up and down and play quick.”