Lance Leipold and the Kansas Jayhawks added another impressive piece to their 2026 recruiting puzzle on Thursday.
Kevin Sullivan, a standout tight end from Rockhurst High School in Missouri, announced his commitment to KU, marking another significant victory on the recruiting trail for Leipold and his staff.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 pounds, Sullivan is a 3-star prospect who chose the Jayhawks over offers from more than 15 Power Four programs. He first visited Lawrence during a game last fall and returned for an official visit the weekend of May 30. Though he also visited Iowa State shortly after, Sullivan ultimately felt that Kansas was the best fit for his future.
According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Sullivan is rated as the No. 1,049 overall player in the 2026 class, the No. 53 tight end nationally, and the No. 10 overall prospect from Missouri.
He now becomes the second tight end to join KU’s 2026 class, teaming up with fellow Kansas native Jack Utz. With his height and physical presence, Sullivan offers strong potential as both a red-zone target and an effective blocker.
The Jayhawks are still actively pursuing top in-state tight end Ian Premer, whose commitment would further elevate the position group. Overall, KU’s focus on recruiting from the Midwest remains a cornerstone of its strategy.
With 17 commitments already secured for 2026, Leipold is putting together what could be one of the strongest recruiting classes in program history.
