Top Shooter Luke Barnett Commits to Kansas Basketball for 2026

Kansas basketball has secured another key piece for its future. Three-star shooting guard Luke Barnett announced his commitment to the Jayhawks on Friday. The Mater Dei High School prospect chose Bill Self’s program over other finalists.

His decision came just days after an official visit to the Lawrence campus. Barnett had also considered Miami and UNLV during his recruitment process.

Barnett’s Elite Shooting Puts Him in Rare Company

Barnett brings a highly specialized skill set to the Jayhawks. He is widely regarded as one of the premier shooters in the entire 2026 class. His ability to stretch defenses will be a valuable asset in the Big 12.

He holds his high school’s single-game record with a remarkable 55-point performance. During that game, he sank 12 three-pointers. This scoring outburst highlights his potential to change games with his shooting touch.

The coaching staff had prioritized him for several months. According to recruiting analysts, their interest intensified significantly in recent weeks. This persistent pursuit ultimately paid off with his commitment.

How Barnett Fits into Kansas’s Long-Term Plans

Barnett is more than just a stationary shooter. He has shown the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. He can also attack the basket, making him a more complete offensive threat.

He becomes the fourth member of Kansas’s 2026 recruiting class. He joins Tay Kinney, Davion Adkins, and Trent Perry. This group forms a strong foundation for the program’s future.

His commitment fills a specific need for a pure shooter. Kansas has faced opponents with similar players in the past. Now, they add one of their own to the roster.

Kansas basketball recruiting continues to build momentum with this latest addition. Luke Barnett’s shooting prowess makes him a perfect fit for the program’s offensive system. He represents a significant long-term investment for the Jayhawks.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Luke Barnett?

Luke Barnett is a 6-foot-3 shooting guard from Mater Dei High School in California. He is a three-star prospect ranked No. 113 in the 2026 class. He is considered one of the best shooters in his class.

Which other schools were recruiting Barnett?

Barnett took official visits to Miami and UNLV. He was also scheduled to visit TCU before committing to Kansas. His recruitment process moved quickly after his visit to Lawrence.

What records does Luke Barnett hold?

He holds his high school’s single-game scoring record with 55 points. He also set the record for three-pointers in a game with 12. This performance solidified his reputation as an elite shooter.

How does Barnett impact Kansas’s 2026 class?

He becomes the fourth commitment in the class. His shooting ability addresses a specific need for the Jayhawks. He complements other commits like Tay Kinney and Trent Perry.

Why did Barnett choose Kansas?

He cited the program’s historic success and Coach Bill Self’s leadership. His official visit to the campus this past weekend was a major factor. The coaching staff’s increased recruitment efforts in recent weeks also played a key role.