Kansas football is continuing to make its way through the offseason. Here’s more insight into the freshmen who’ll join the team ahead of next season.
LAWRENCE — Earlier this month, Kansas football announced the signings of 17 high school players who are a part of the Jayhawks’ 2026 recruiting class.
Here are seven insights into the group from coach Lance Leipold:
Are any of these incoming freshmen capable of playing right away?
This past season, in 2025, Kansas saw wide receiver Tate Nagy earn a role in his first fall as the team’s lead punt returner. From Leipold’s perspective, Nagy did an excellent handling a role that isn’t an easy task for anyone — let alone a true freshman. Nagy didn’t get rattled, and had great awareness and ball skills.
Looking ahead to 2026, Leipold didn’t want to get into the prediction game too much when it came to anyone in this class finding a way onto the field like that. There isn’t anyone he said is specifically targeted to do so right now. But he did allow that they hope someone does step up, and added anyone who enrolls early will get plenty of opportunities this spring.
What stands out about linebacker Josh Galbreath?
Josh Galbreath, a 6-foot-3 and 205-pound linebacker out of Lawrence, is someone Leipold thought it was very important to keep from leaving town for college. Leipold described Galbreath as extremely athletic, having a lot of upside and someone who plays with passion. Galbreath is someone the Jayhawks hope can be a long-time contributor at KU.
Why has Kaden Snyder’s physical development been so impressive?
Leipold acknowledged 6-foot-6 and 290-pound offensive lineman Kaden Snyder is already maturing faster than they expected, when it comes to reaching the body size they need. Snyder also drew praise for his athleticism and passion for the game, and it can't be overlooked that he is a 247Sports Composite four-star offensive tackle in his class. Leipold recalled going to one of Snyder’s basketball practices, and watching him run the court and fire up 3s in a way that’s intriguing to see from an offensive lineman.
What traits does Kory Amachree possess?
Leipold has seen flashes of speed and power from 6-foot and 205-pound running back Kory Amachree, as well as good balance and an ability to make people miss. Leipold thought it was a big deal that they were able to get Amachree out of the state of Michigan, and pointed to wide receivers coach Terrence Samuel’s relationship with the family from Samuel’s time coaching at Michigan State as an instrumental part of that. Amachree is also a prime culture fit.
How did Kansas’ duo of tight ends come together?
Leipold acknowledged the recruitment of tight ends Jack Utz and Kevin Sullivan did have to navigate the change in position coaches that came with Jeff Grimes leaving for Wisconsin, and Matt Lubick arriving as co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach. But Leipold, aware of the uncertainty that can create for a prospective athlete, thought Lubick took advantage of the opportunities to build relationships with those two. It helped that both are local recruits from Kansas City, Missouri, and could be around more frequently.
Whether the Jayhawks were going to take two tight ends depended on the guys available, and they felt Utz and Sullivan were too good of athletes with a lot of upside — especially for their position. Leipold added when they’ve had the ability to spend time developing in a college program year-round they’ll develop even further. Utz is listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, while Sullivan is at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds.
What do Kansas’ 3 wide receivers bring?
Leipold noted Kansas is always trying to find different body types that can help the offense as best as possible at wide receiver.
In 5-foot-9 and 180-pound Corbin Glasco, is someone with the track speed that can help make the Jayhawks a faster football team.
In 6-foot-3 and 185-pound Tyren Parker, is someone from Topeka who has length and big-play ability, not to mention a level of confidence at the position that should help him make his presence felt at KU.
In 6-foot-1 and 180-pound Nate Sims, is someone that’s kind of in between but still possessing solid track times.
How versatile are Kansas’ 2 defensive ends?
Kansas’ defense used its defensive ends in a variety of ways in 2025, and Leipold noted the Jayhawks need guys who can be multi-faceted. That can mean dropping into coverage or rushing the passer. And in 6-foot-5 and 254-pound Hunter Higgins, and 6-foot-7 and 220-pound Draeden Punt, are two guys they think have the length and height to help them out.
Leipold also mentioned that guys want to do it all. So, there’s some excitement that can be developed from the idea they’ll be used more like an outside linebacker at times. It’s also critical to develop depth with guys who are capable of doing that.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 7 more insights into Kansas football’s 2026 high school signing class
Category: General Sports
