Lance Leipold has begun to crack the code on fixing what was a dormant Kansas football program.
Leipold's 22-28 record is largely indicative of a rebuild that is well underway. Each year has seen recruiting classes steadily improve, and according to 247Sports, the Jayhawks' 2026 recruiting class sits 37th in the nation with two of Kansas' highest-ever recruits on the board.
Cornerback JJ Dunnigan has been touted as the third-best recruit for Kansas according to 247.
When looking at the offensive front, tackle Kaden Snyder, who also committed in January, is ranked as the 7th-highest recruit Kansas has ever landed.
Craig Haubert of ESPN recently published his 2026 recruiting class rankings, where Kansas was ranked 35th.
"Lance Leipold is no stranger to building a program and is working to fortify Kansas' 2026 class. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, in-state defensive back J.J. Dunnigan has the length to reroute receivers off the line and the straight-line speed to hang with them on vertical routes. The Jayhawks have a few offensive linemen committed, led by 6-foot-5 Kansas native Kaden Snyder, who has an enticing combination of athleticism, pass-protection skills and upside if he can continue to fill out his frame."
247Sports' director of scouting Andrew Ivins profiled Dunnigan.
"Box-checking defensive back prospect with no shortage of developmental upside given the length/speed combo. Size has not been third-party verified, but looked to be over six feet at practices for the annual Under Armour All-America Game. More notably, showcased the ability to make some dynamic turns and hang with quick-footed wide receivers in a best-on-best setting. Made plays in a variety of different ways as a junior and should offer that same position flex at the next level as he’s got the length and burst to match as an outside cornerback, but also the range and eyes to close passing lanes from a center-field safety posting. Projects as a potential multi-year starter that will likely need some seasoning before he’s ready to go on Saturdays, but one that has the traits to morph into an impact defender."
The 2025 Kansas class is one already reeling in four-star edge rusher Adrian Holley, who tops this Jayhawks core as Kansas' sole four-star recruit of the 2025 class. According to 247Sports, the 2025 Kansas class is filed as the 61st-ranked class in the nation, but with a transfer rank of 39th, things are balancing out nicely.
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