Kansas Jayhawks
· 2026-07-14
The Kansas Jayhawks secured a commitment from three-star linebacker JaMarquis Hudson on Sunday, giving KU the No. 38 recruiting class in the country.
Hudson, a 6-foot-2, 186-pound outside linebacker from Memorial High School in Port Arthur, Texas, pledged to Kansas after an official visit to Lawrence. He announced his decision on social media, choosing the Jayhawks over finalists Houston, Texas Tech, Kentucky and Purdue. Florida State, Arkansas and Mississippi State also pursued the prospect.
As a junior, Hudson racked up 105 tackles, 17 for loss, 12 sacks and four interceptions—one returned for a touchdown. He’s rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 32 linebacker nationally by 247Sports, plus the No. 57 player in Texas.
Hudson’s commitment brings KU’s 2027 class to 16 signees, making it the No. 6 class in the Big 12 and the No. 38 nationally. He’s now the second-highest rated commit behind four-star tight end Mason Oglesby.
The Jayhawks have added eight high school recruits since June, a surge tied to improved facilities and stronger recruiting visits. KU’s push on the trail should help the program become a more consistent Big 12 contender.
Kansas opens the 2026 season on September 5 against Long Island University Sharks. The Jayhawks aim to build on last year’s progress under the same staff that landed Hudson.
A lifelong Topeka native and 2014 KU graduate, Dillon Davis covers the Jayhawks for SI after stops at Armchair Media and Fansided. He joined Kansas on SI in May 2025.