Renowned Shooter Barnett Commits to KU’s 2026 Recruiting Class
The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team has strengthened its 2026 recruiting class with the addition of Luke Barnett. The commitment, announced during a CBS Sports livestream, comes from Barnett, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. His decision follows a visit to the University of Kansas for their Late Night in the Phog event.
Luke Barnett: A Rising Talent
Barnett is recognized as a four-star prospect by 247Sports Composite rankings. He chose Kansas over offers from Miami and UNLV. “The culture at Kansas and their basketball history convinced me it’s the right place to improve,” Barnett said during the announcement.
Impressive Shooting Skills
- Has averaged 21.0 points per game in high school.
- In the 2023 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Peach Jam, Barnett averaged 11.2 points over five games.
- Shot 31.2% from three-point range during that tournament.
His reputation as a sharpshooter is notable. Jamie Shaw from On3 described him as one of the top five shooters in his class. He demonstrated excellent footwork and shooting mechanics: “He is able to knock down shots both off the dribble and from a standstill,” Shaw noted.
KU’s Strategic Recruitment
This commitment marks another success for Kansas, as they also secured commitments from several players in recent months. Highlights include:
- Taylen Kinney (guard)
- Trent Perry (wing)
- Javon Bardwell (wing)
- Davion Adkins (center)
All except Bardwell are currently slated for the 2026 class. Bardwell may potentially reclassify to join the group sooner. This aligns with Kansas’s strategy to amass talent ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Future Implications
Kansas is preparing for significant roster changes after the 2025-26 season, with four players set to exhaust their eligibility. Transfers Melvin Council Jr., Jayden Dawson, Nginyu Ngala, and Tre White will leave openings, alongside the anticipated departure of Darryn Peterson to the 2026 NBA Draft.
As this situation unfolds, more players may choose to pursue professional opportunities. The Jayhawks’ recruitment strategy and Barnett’s commitment highlight Kansas’s ongoing dedication to building a strong future.
