One of the most coveted guards in the 2026 recruiting class is on the move again. Tay Kinney, a top-15 national prospect and the No. 3 point guard according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, has scheduled an official visit to Indiana this weekend, sources told Rivals.
Tay Kinney’s Recruitment Heats Up
The 6’2″ playmaker from Newport, Kentucky, currently stars for Overtime Elite in Atlanta and recently trimmed his recruitment to eight schools: Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Oregon, Texas, and Indiana.
NEWS: 2026 Top-15 overall recruit Tay Kinney is down to eight schools, he tells @Rivals.
The 6-2 rising senior is one of the top point guards in the country.
https://t.co/wqOlODaGZP pic.twitter.com/NZoCqUZqHN
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) August 21, 2025
With visits already completed to Purdue, Louisville, Kansas, and Kentucky, Kinney’s trip to Bloomington marks another step in one of the most closely followed recruitments of the 2026 cycle.
Kinney’s inclusion of Indiana in his top eight gives the Hoosiers a chance to make a significant impression. The Big Ten program has prioritized elite guard play in recent classes, and landing Kinney would be a statement move for head coach Mike Woodson.
Following his trip to Indiana, Kinney is expected to continue visits to Oregon, Texas, Miami, and Arkansas. With blue bloods like Kansas and Kentucky already involved, competition for his commitment will be fierce.
A Rising Star on the National Stage
This summer, Kinney raised his profile further with a standout performance at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, where he earned first-team honors. He averaged 22 points, five rebounds, and 6.3 assists, shooting 52% from the field and nearly 48% from beyond the arc.
His ability to impact the game as both a scorer and facilitator has solidified his status as one of the best guards in the country, regardless of class.
Top-15 overall recruit Tay Kinney is taking an official visit to Indiana this weekend, source tells @Rivals. https://t.co/j4iioJQEwd https://t.co/DhswpEYv7O pic.twitter.com/tbBaE2BY1l
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) August 27, 2025
Scouts praise Kinney’s versatility as a multi-level scoring guard. He has a quick, creative handle that allows him to generate his own shot, whether attacking off the dribble, rising for pull-up jumpers, or finishing through contact at the rim. Though his 3-point percentages in Overtime Elite (33%) and the 3SSB circuit (27%) suggest inconsistency, his camp performance showed he can catch fire when in rhythm.
Physical Tools That Stand Out
While Kinney is listed at just over 6’1″, he plays bigger thanks to a 6’6″ wingspan and strong frame. His combination of length, athleticism, and toughness allows him to defend multiple positions and finish through contact, making him an all-around threat.
That physicality, paired with playmaking instincts, has made him one of the most heavily pursued guards in the 2026 class. Coaches see him as a lead guard who can control tempo, create offense, and elevate teammates — a player built for the modern college game.
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Kinney’s upcoming visit to Indiana will be crucial as the Hoosiers try to sway the Kentucky native from other contenders. With Oregon, Texas, Miami, and Arkansas still on his list, the recruitment battle is far from over.
For now, though, all eyes are on Bloomington, where Indiana hopes to convince Tay Kinney that his future lies in the Big Ten.
