Wichita’s very own Hunter Higgins, a standout defensive lineman from Maize South, just made a big decision. He’s committed to playing football at Kansas!
At a school ceremony on Wednesday, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound powerhouse announced he’s choosing the Jayhawks over other top schools like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.
Why Kansas? “I want to be part of what they’re building,” Higgins said. “Being part of the turnaround is something I really want to do.”
Higgins isn’t alone in this new journey. He’s the fourth commit for Kansas head coach Lance Leipold in the 2026 class. He joins fellow Kansans James Dunnigan Jr., a safety/receiver, and Jaylen Mason, a quarterback. “We’ve got Kansas kids ready to make a change,” Higgins added. “Staying in-state with them is super appealing.”
Why Higgins Matters for Kansas
Leipold and his team have had their eyes on Higgins since they offered him a spot back in the fall of 2023. Higgins feels a strong connection with the coaching staff. “They’ve got great chemistry and feel like a family,” he explained.
According to On3 Industry, Higgins is ranked as the No. 43 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 5 prospect in Kansas. He also had offers from schools like Oklahoma, USC, and Texas Tech.
Last season, Higgins was a force to be reckoned with. He racked up 43 tackles, including 11 sacks, in just eight games. He also caused havoc with seven tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hurries, plus he forced and recovered a fumble. Pretty amazing, right?
Kansas is aiming high. They’re pushing to break into the Top 25 in the On3 Industry 2026 Recruiting Rankings. Right now, they’re sitting at No. 29, but with Higgins on board, things are looking up.
Looking ahead, Kansas is also eyeing another top local talent, offensive tackle Jack Fuchs. Plus, they’re hoping to snag the state’s top prospects, tight end Ian Premer and offensive lineman Maxwell Robinson.
The future looks bright for the Jayhawks! Will they keep climbing the ranks? Only time will tell.
