Kentucky’s chances of keeping one of the state’s top stars close to home are fading fast. Five-star point guard Tay Kinney, a standout in the 2026 class from Newport (KY), is now widely expected to commit to Kansas.
Recruiting insider Joe Tipton of Rivals logged a 60% confidence pick for the Jayhawks, signaling that momentum has shifted dramatically away from both Kentucky and Louisville. Once thought to be a near lock to stay in the Bluegrass, Kinney’s recent official visit to Kansas in late August appears to have been the turning point.
Kinney, who plays his second season at Overtime Elite in Atlanta, will announce his decision on September 28 at 1:15 PM ET. Fans can watch the announcement live on CBS Sports HQ and the CBS Sports College Basketball YouTube Channel, according to Travis Branham of 247Sports.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope hasn’t given up, making an in-home visit earlier this month, but the Wildcats have also shifted their focus to another elite guard, 5-star Deron Rippey Jr., with staff ramping up visits and communication in recent weeks.
Of course, recruiting remains unpredictable—especially in the era of NIL deals, which can reshape decisions quickly. Still, the latest trends suggest Kentucky faces an uphill climb in trying to keep the top point guard in the Bluegrass from heading west to Lawrence.
For now, all eyes turn to September 28, when the college basketball world finds out where one of the nation’s best point guards will take his talents.
