Huge in-state recruiting win as Kansas lands commitment from DL Hunter Higgins

Wichita (Kan.) Maize South 2026 defensive lineman Hunter Higgins has committed to Kansas. He announced his intentions Wednesday during a ceremony at his school.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Higgins chooses the in-state Jayhawks over his other finalists in Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

“I chose them because I want to be a part of what they’re building and be a part of the turn around,” Higgins said.

Higgins becomes commit No. 4 for head coach Lance Leipold and his staff in the 2026 class joining safety/receiver James Dunnigan Jr. and quarterback Jaylen Mason who also hail from in-state.

 “They have Kansas kids in my class bought in and ready to do the same,” Higgins said. “Staying in-state with them and making the change is really attractive to me.”

On3 analysis on why Hunter Higgins is a big get and where Kansas goes next

Leipold and the Jayhawks staff have been on Higgins since offering during the fall of 2023.

“The coaching staff is very successful and have been a unit moving through the ranks of college football together,” Higgins said. “They have deep chemistry and seem like a family to me.”

The On3 Industry tabs Higgins as the No. 43 defensive lineman in the country and No. 5 overall prospect in Kansas. Other offers Higgins landed include Oklahoma, Ole Miss, USC, Arkansas, Minnesota, Iowa State and Texas Tech.

As a junior, the disruptive Higgins registered 43 tackles including 11 sacks, seven stops for loss and 23 quarterback hurries in eight games. He also forced and recovered a fumble.

The Jayhawks are working to push into the Top 25 of the On3 Industry 2026 Recruiting Rankings. They checked in at No. 29 prior to Higgins commitment.

Moving forward, Kansas is the early On3 RPM favorite for another coveted in-state recruit in On300 offensive tackle Jack Fuchs. Leipold and company will also keep swinging at the top two prospects in the state in tight end Ian Premer and offensive lineman Maxwell Robinson.