For a team like Kansas, in-state recruiting will always be a key cog in the future success of the football team. This season, according to 247 Sports, the Jayhawks have snagged six of Kansas’ 19 best recruits for the class of 2026, and even held the No. 1 in-state recruit, safety JJ Dunnigan, for some time before Dunnigan decommitted and flipped to the Miami Hurricanes of the ACC.
The most sought-after member of Kansas’ 2026 class is in-state offensive tackle Kaden Snyder. Snyder is currently rated as a four-star according to 247. Snyder is also rated as the nation’s 28th-best offensive tackle prospect in the nation.
Following Kansas’ 31-21 loss to the No. 13 Utah Utes, which ended the Jayhawks’ chance of reaching a third bowl game under head coach Lance Leipold, tight end Leyton Cure spoke on the importance of recruiting within the state.
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“It means a lot. My family really takes pride in that,” quotes the redshirt senior. “Me and my brother both going to the Kansas schools, and I just didn't think it's important for Kansas kids to stay home and represent their state.”
Cure spent two seasons with the Jayhawks after transferring from DII school Fort Hays State. At Fort Hays, Cure’s best season came in 2022, where Cure notched 281 receiving yards over 26 receptions and two touchdowns.
After making the step-up to KU, Cure’s biggest statline fittingly came in his last game as a Jayhawk, as against the playoff outsiders, Cure compiled just one reception; however, his 21-yard snag resulted in the lone touchdown of his Kansas career. Cure’s touchdown trimmed the Utah lead to just three points at 24-21. However, Utah would notch another to put the game fully to bed minutes later.
In this era of collegiate football, there is a growing emphasis on the transfer portal, which is watering down the effects a high school recruiting class can have, yet if the Jayhawks continue to hem on the talents around the state, then success will soon follow.
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