Taylen Kinney, the top-ranked point guard and No. 11 overall prospect in the Class of 2026 (247Sports), has cemented himself as one of the premier playmakers in high school basketball — and his recruitment is heating up as he eyes a decision before the 2025–26 season begins.
The 6-foot-2 guard out of Newport High School (KY), currently playing for Overtime Elite’s RWE team, has electrified scouts with his mix of speed, craft, and vision. He’s averaging 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and elite shooting splits (51/40/76) while leading RWE to multiple key wins on the EYBL and OTE circuits.
Known for his shiftiness and explosive scoring, Kinney also prides himself on being a creator. “I take pride in making my teammates better,” he told ZAGSBLOG. His outside shot has become a consistent threat as well, evidenced by his 26-point, 6-for-11 3-point performance earlier this year against City Reapers.
The State of His Recruitment
Kinney has already trimmed his offer list down from over 30 to 15, which includes Georgia, Illinois, Auburn, Oregon, Kentucky, Louisville, Alabama, Kansas State, Tennessee, Kansas, Purdue, Xavier, Notre Dame, Arkansas, and Cincinnati.
Louisville, Kentucky, Purdue, Xavier, Arkansas, and Cincinnati are the schools Kinney says he’s hearing from most often.
This summer, Kinney has been busy scheduling official visits:
✅ Kentucky (June)
✅ Louisville and Purdue (early summer)
📅 Indiana (Aug. 29–31)
📅 Oregon (early September)
📅 Texas (Sept. 12–14)
While Louisville has been viewed as a frontrunner thanks to early relationships and proximity, the entrance of big programs like Texas and Indiana — with their resources and NIL potential — has clouded the picture.
“It’s going to be where I’m most comfortable,” Kinney said in a recent interview. “Where they put the ball in my hands as a freshman and let me perform to get to the next level.”
What Coaches Are Pitching
- Arkansas: Calipari’s guard-friendly system and player development record
- Georgia: Pointing to Anthony Edwards’ success story
- Purdue: Selling Kinney on being Braden Smith’s successor
- Texas & Indiana: Big NIL potential and a national platform
- Louisville: Local ties and a clear path to playing time under Pat Kelsey
With Louisville also heavily pursuing fellow 2026 star Tyran Stokes, some analysts speculate it may be difficult for the Cardinals to land both elite prospects in the same class financially — but they remain firmly in the mix.
What’s Next?
Kinney’s decision timeline is set for late fall, with visits throughout August and September expected to shape his final choice. Kentucky remains very much in the race to keep the in-state talent home, while bluebloods and big-budget programs make their pitches.
Wherever he lands, Kinney’s dynamic playmaking and ability to run an offense make him one of the most impactful players in the 2026 class.
Player Profile: Taylen Kinney
- Class: 2026
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, —
- Position: Point Guard
- Hometown: Newport, KY
- High School/Team: Overtime Elite / RWE
- National Rank: No. 11 overall (247Sports)
- Position Rank: No. 1 PG (247Sports)
- Notable Offers: Louisville, Kentucky, Purdue, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, Arkansas, Kansas, Alabama
