KU is on a Recruiting Hot Streak – 57 Days Until Kansas Football
The Lance Leipold coaching staff first proved itself on the field in 2022, and now it’s winning on the recruiting trail and is making Kansas Jayhawks football relevant again in the eyes of high school players and programs.
It’s amazing what winning can do.
The 2023 class is strong compared to recent years – and Kansas has been successful in the transfer portal under Leipold – but the 2024 class is shaping up to be at another level. Since June 1, the Jayhawks have brought in nine players who are three- or four-star recruits, culminating in a commitment from four-star edge rusher Dakyus Brinkley from Katy, Texas, who is one of the highest-rated recruits in KU football history.
This run of the last month includes:
Dakyus Brinkley – four-star edge
Austin Alexander – four-star corner
Damani Maxson – four-star safety
Jalen Todd – three-star corner
Harry Stewart – three-star running back
Deshawn Warner – three-star edge
Harrison Utley – three-star lineman
Jacorey Stewart – three-star linebacker
Carter Lavrusky – three-star lineman
The 2024 class is now up to No. 36 nationally on 247 Sports and No. 39 and third in the Big 12 currently on On3 after 15 recruits. Compare that to recent years, in which Kansas was No. 63 overall on 247 in 2023, No. 67 in 2022, No. 63 in 2021, and No. 61 in 2020. Obviously, as we know, nothing is certain in recruiting and a lot can change between now and the summer of 2024. The staff still needs to get them on campus without getting poached. But the winning should make that easier.
What might be the most encouraging sign with this 2024 class is the positions being filled with this group. The defense struggled compared to the offense in 2022 and the most experienced members of the group in 2023 are nearing the end of their eligibility. So, Leipold and company have gone out and brought in talent in the secondary and players who can put pressure on the quarterback.
I would expect a few more playmakers on offense to join this class – and if they are of this quality combined with KU's system, the offense will continue to shine – but it’s nice to see that the staff is aware of the upcoming roster holes and is having success filling them.
The stadium renovation project and updated facilities, plus KU’s success in the NIL space, is only going to add to the program’s attractiveness. And if this is KU’s new reality on the recruiting trail, the program is in a good place.
