Ethan Taylor, a promising four-star center recruit, is generating buzz after announcing an offer from the Kansas Jayhawks on his social media account. And if you look at his track record, it’s easy to see why the excitement is building around this young talent.
Standing at an impressive 7-foot-1, Taylor is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Known for his exceptional shot-blocking abilities, he uses his height and wingspan to dominate defensively. While Taylor is still honing his offensive skills, the progress he’s shown as a post-scorer suggests that his game is evolving in all the right ways.
Taylor’s prowess has earned him significant recognition. On3 ranks him as the No. 45 player overall, the No. 5 center in his class, and the top recruit out of Missouri for 2026. Similarly, 247 Sports Composite gives him high marks, ranking him as No. 47 overall and the fourth-best center. His on-court utility goes beyond stats, but speaking of those, last season Taylor averaged about 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game, numbers that saw him clinch second-team all-state honors.
On the AAU circuit, Taylor sharpened his skills with the Mokan EYBL 17U team, facing competitive matches that have undoubtedly contributed to his development. During his time at Shawnee Mission Northwest, before his recent transfer to Link Academy in Missouri, Taylor led his team to back-to-back Class 6A boys basketball state titles in 2024 and 2025. He left his mark in just three years, setting school records for blocks and rebounds—a testament to his impact on the game.
The recent months have been a whirlwind for Taylor. High-profile programs including Houston, Baylor, Texas, and Creighton extended offers in May, making it clear that his talents are attracting national attention. Kansas isn’t just diving into the mix without a plan; they’re watching a player who has all the tools to be a key piece in any top-tier college basketball program.
Taylor isn’t the only center the Jayhawks have their eyes on. They’re also considering Sam Funches, another standout prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Under Bill Self’s guidance, Kansas seems poised to make a strong push to win Taylor’s commitment. As the recruitment saga unwinds, keeping an eye on Taylor’s decision might just be one of the more exciting storylines in college basketball recruiting.
