Kansas football secured a major victory on the recruiting front Thursday when in-state prospect JJ Dunnigan announced his commitment to the Jayhawks during the Under Armour All-American Game on ESPN. This commitment represents a significant step forward for KU in establishing a stronger presence in local recruiting.
Dunnigan, a standout from Manhattan High School and one of the most talented players in Kansas regardless of class, joins KU’s 2026 recruiting class. His connection to Kansas State adds another layer of significance—his father, James Dunnigan, played cornerback for K-State in the early 2000s. Landing such a recruit underscores the progress KU has made under head coach Lance Leipold.
Historically, the Jayhawks struggled to secure in-state talent, with rivals like K-State consistently dominating local recruiting battles. Past KU coaches, including Les Miles, David Beaty, and Turner Gill, didn’t prioritize local recruiting to the same extent. Leipold, however, has made it a focal point, and it’s starting to pay dividends.
Building on the momentum from signing their largest in-state class in seven years last month, KU’s staff is aiming for even bigger results in the 2026 class. High-profile targets include four-star tight end Ian Premer, four-star offensive lineman Kaden Snyder, and a host of other talented players such as linebacker Josh Galbreath, defensive end Hunter Higgins, and wide receivers Nate Sims and Tyren Parker.
While Leipold acknowledges challenges, such as adjusting to coaching staff changes that can impact relationships with recruits, he emphasizes transparency, integrity, and commitment to fostering relationships with local high schools.
“We continue to work hard on it,” Leipold said. “I think we try to be as transparent as we can be. We try to be as honest as we can be and do it with integrity… I hope the high school coaches feel… that we truly want in-state players in our program and build from there.”
Under Leipold, Kansas football’s renewed focus on in-state recruiting is clearly positioning the program for sustained success.
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