Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks are casting their recruiting net wide into the Class of 2027, keeping tabs on rising stars who could define the program’s future. Among those prospects is 6-foot-9 forward Jeremy Jenkins, a versatile big man whose skill set has caught Kansas’ attention in a major way.
What makes this recruitment particularly intriguing is how perfectly Jenkins’ abilities align with the Jayhawks’ focused approach to building their roster.
Why Does Jeremy Jenkins Believe Bill Self Is Targeting Him So Heavily?
During a recent interview with Rivals, Jenkins opened up about his recruitment process, revealing that Kansas has emerged as one of the programs pursuing him most aggressively. Jenkins explained how the Jayhawks’ coaching staff and their specific recruiting philosophy have made them stand out from other programs.
“Bill Self, Coach (Kurtis) Townsend, they’re two hell of a coaches,” he said to Rivals. “Two coaches that got great resumes of putting players in the league. And they really only recruit guards and bigs. And that’s good for me because I’m one of the best bigs in the country. So, that’s a good thing that they are recruiting me heavy, too.”
Top-15 overall Jeremy Jenkins opens up on his recruitment.
Where things stand with Kansas, Florida State, Georgetown & Oregon — plus what’s next.
[READ] https://t.co/z34EbOOlH2 pic.twitter.com/iCEN6Nc6Om
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) August 14, 2025
Jenkins’ assessment reveals something crucial about Kansas’ recruiting strategy. The Jayhawks focus their efforts primarily on elite guards and big men, creating a streamlined approach that allows them to dedicate maximum attention to fewer position groups. For a player like Jenkins, who considers himself among the nation’s best big men, this targeted focus translates into intensive recruitment and a clear path to significant playing time.
The confidence Jenkins displays in his own abilities comes through when discussing his versatility. He described himself as a “big guard” and referenced studying the games of NBA stars Paulo Banchero and former Kansas standout Joel Embiid.
“I’m just the best big guard in the country,” Jenkins said. “Not many people can do what I do for a pass, shoot, score, anything on the floor. So, I just do everything, all-around versatile. I watch a lot of Paulo (Banchero) and (Joel) Embiid, bigger players like me that can handle the ball and stuff like that.”
What Sets Jeremy Jenkins Apart From Other Class of 2027 Prospects?
Jenkins has established himself as one of the premier prospects in the Class of 2027, earning recognition as the No. 17 overall player nationally, the No. 4 power forward, and the No. 2 player in Georgia according to 247Sports. His impressive ranking reflects a skill set that extends well beyond typical big man expectations.
The forward brings a unique blend of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ that makes him effective on both ends of the court. He can score effectively in the paint while also stretching defenses with his mid-range shooting ability. His length and mobility allow him to protect the rim defensively while switching across multiple positions, giving coaches flexibility in their defensive schemes.
Beyond his physical tools, Jenkins demonstrates strong court vision and passing ability, often finding teammates with smart decisions in transition and half-court sets. This combination of skills explains why he models his game after players like Embiid and Banchero, who similarly blend traditional big man attributes with guard-like versatility.
His list of Division I offers continues to grow, with Kansas joined by programs including Arizona State, Florida State, BYU, Georgetown, and Georgia Tech. Each of these programs recognizes the potential impact Jenkins could have at the collegiate level.
Jenkins first gained national attention during his time at Riviera Prep, where he helped lead the program to consecutive Florida High School Athletic Association state championships. As a freshman, he contributed 9.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game to the title run. His sophomore campaign saw significant improvement, as he averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 57% from the field.
Keep Reading: Kansas HC Bill Self Shares Definitive Update on Coaching Return Timeline After Major Health Scare
This past summer, Jenkins competed with the Nightrydas on Nike’s E16 Circuit, where his well-rounded production stood out among elite competition. He consistently showcased the versatility that has college coaches so interested in his development.
Recently, Jenkins announced his decision to join Atlanta Overtime Elite for his upcoming high school season, a move that will put him in an environment designed to prepare top prospects for the next level while maintaining their collegiate eligibility.
2027 6’9″ Jeremy Jenkins has signed with the CITY REAPERS @jeremyjenkins7_ pic.twitter.com/LmKM7W84KO
— Overtime Elite (@OvertimeElite) August 11, 2025
Jenkins has also earned recognition on the international stage, participating in Team USA Minicamp sessions in San Antonio and at the U.S. Olympic Headquarters in Colorado Springs. These invitations confirm his status as one of the country’s elite young forwards and provide valuable experience competing alongside other top prospects.
As Jenkins continues developing his game at Overtime Elite, programs like Kansas will be watching closely. His combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence suggests he could be the type of versatile big man who thrives in Self’s system, making this recruitment one to monitor as it unfolds over the coming months.
