Lance Leipold was tasked with taking a Kansas football program so deep in the basement that there were times some thought it would never recover. It took a few seasons, but Leipold was able to lead Kansas to a 9-4 record in 2023 and a bowl win for the first time since 2008. Now, back-to-back 5-7 seasons have fans wondering if it was a fluke.
Leipold is doing everything in his power to build Kansas back into a respectable program, and that all starts with recruiting. Getting recruits to Lawrence isn't always an easy task with the history of this program, but Leipold has already reeled in nine commits for the Class of 2027, and that is before the Jayhawks biggest official visit weekend.
The most recent commitment comes from three-star interior offensive lineman Richie Dexter, who had big plans for his time in Lawrence. Dexter was a priority recruit for Kansas after making him an offer earlier in the spring, hosting him for an unofficial visit. Now, when he makes his official visit to Kansas this weekend, he will already be locked in with the Jayhawks.
"Kansas is the place for me because the community is great,” Dexter told 247Sports. “It's also home because Kansas is a team on the rise and I want to be a part of that.”
"I chose to commit to Kansas because of the great fans they have and the amazing coaching staff that I will have behind me."
— JayhawkSlant (@JayhawkSlant) June 3, 2026
- More from OL Richie Dexter (@Richie_Dexter77) on why he committed to Kansas. #kufball
More:https://t.co/L8QkS5h8SX pic.twitter.com/tCHOEEt2BE
Kansas beat out fellow Big 12 program Oklahoma State for Richie Dexter's commitment
Not only was Leipold able to add to his 2027 recruiting class, but he did so by beating out a fellow Big 12 program. Kansas wasn't the only program after him, as Dexter also took visits to UConn and Oklahoma State earlier in the spring, but his upcoming official visit with the Cowboys has now been canceled.
Dexter comes to Kansas ranked as the No. 107 offensive lineman in the nation and the No. 29 player in the state of Arizona, according to 247Sports. The three-star lineman marks the third offensive line commit in the Class of 2027 for Leipold, strengthening Kansas' commitment to protecting the quarterback for years to come.
The offensive line has been a subject of need for Kansas as the offense has struggled to keep the quarterback healthy. Now, with Kansas heading into a new era of quarterback play with Jalon Daniels heading to the NFL, Leipold will have a choice to make when it comes to his signal caller, and so protection will be more vital than ever.
Don't be surprised if Dexter gets a shot at playing quickly once he steps on campus in 2027, as the offensive line is set to only have one player left with eligibility after the 2026 season on the line.
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