Kansas Included in Top 12 for 2026 Point Guard Deron Rippey Jr.

Deron Rippey Jr., a top-ranked point guard in the 2026 class, has narrowed his college choices to 12 schools, including the Kansas Jayhawks, Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina. Rippey, who stands 6-foot-2 and plays for Blair Academy, has received around 40 Division I offers and is considered the fourth-best point guard nationally. Kansas, coming off a 21-13 season and an early NCAA tournament exit, is looking to rebuild its roster with new talent such as five-star guard Darryn Peterson and four-star Kohl Rosario, making Rippey a promising fit to fill vacancies in their backcourt. Despite Kansas' interest, Rippey has expressed a strong affinity for North Carolina, his longtime dream school, which could impact Kansas fans' hopes of securing his commitment. Meanwhile, Kansas State is actively strengthening its football program through a mix of high school recruits and transfers, showcasing a strategic approach to roster development under coach Chris Klieman. This highlights a broader competitive environment in collegiate sports recruiting within Kansas, with both basketball and football programs actively pursuing top talent.