The Kansas Jayhawks added another key piece to their 2026 recruiting class on Friday afternoon as Luke Barnett, a 4-star shooting guard from Mater Dei High School (CA), announced his commitment to KU. Barnett chose Kansas over Miami (FL) and UNLV during a live segment on the CBS Sports College Basketball YouTube channel. His decision comes just hours before Kansas’ preseason scrimmage against Louisville and marks the fifth commitment for Bill Self’s program in less than a month.
Commitment Timeline and Recruiting Background
Barnett, ranked No. 144 nationally by 247Sports, emerged as a top target for Kansas following a strong showing on the Nike EYBL circuit. He averaged 37% shooting from three-point range and showcased his scoring ability with a record-setting 55-point game during his junior season, including 12 made three-pointers.
Kansas extended a scholarship offer earlier this month and hosted Barnett for an official visit during Late Night in the Phog, where he was the only known prospect on campus. Despite visits to his other finalists, Barnett ultimately felt KU was the right fit, citing the program’s culture and development track record.
His commitment adds depth to a recruiting class that could become the nation’s top-ranked group if fellow prospect Javon Bardwell reclassifies from 2027 to 2026.
Quotes & Reactions: Analyst Evaluations and Scouting Reports
247Sports Scouting Director Adam Finkelstein offered a detailed breakdown of Barnett’s offensive skill set:
“Barnett is a shooting specialist. He has deep range and a quick, compact release that he hops into. He has extreme gravity as a floor-spacer and understands how to leverage it by utilizing the deep corner, instinctively finding open space around the arc, and just generally understanding spacing and offensive structure.”
While Barnett isn’t as highly ranked as some of KU’s recent recruits, his shooting ability and basketball IQ have drawn praise from analysts. His ability to stretch the floor and move without the ball makes him a valuable addition to Kansas’ perimeter rotation.
Fit Within Kansas System
Barnett’s commitment gives Kansas another elite shooter, a skill that has become increasingly important in Bill Self’s evolving offensive schemes. His quick release and deep range make him a threat in catch-and-shoot situations, and his off-ball movement complements KU’s guard-heavy lineups.
Defensively, Barnett remains a work in progress, but his offensive upside and willingness to improve make him a strong developmental prospect. He shot 71% at the rim in EYBL play, showing he’s more than just a perimeter threat.
If he continues to progress, Barnett could become a key contributor by his sophomore season, especially as Kansas looks to maintain its national title aspirations.
What’s Next: Class Rankings and Season Outlook
Kansas now holds five commitments in the 2026 class, with more potentially on the way. If Bardwell reclassifies, the Jayhawks could surpass Missouri for the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.
Barnett is expected to sign during the early signing period in November and will likely return to campus for additional visits throughout the season. Kansas opens its 2025–26 campaign in early November, and Barnett’s commitment adds momentum to an already promising year.
