Kansas football is enjoying one of its strongest recruiting classes in program history, following a successful 9-4 season with a bowl victory. Under fourth-year head coach Lance Leipold, the future of the Jayhawks appears brighter than it has in recent memory.
As spring practices conclude in Lawrence, the coaching staff has shifted its focus to the recruiting trail. Over the past few weeks, Leipold and his team have hosted numerous high school prospects and transfers on campus visits. After a relatively quiet month on the recruiting front, the Jayhawks have secured their second commitment in the past week.
#AGTG I am blessed to announce that I am 100% committed to The University of Kansas!🔵🔴 @ASCENSION_AM @CoachLeipold @CoachWallaceKU @CyChristian_Ath
I would like to thank Jesus Christ, family , friends, coaches , and trainers for guidance, and mentorship .
#RockChalk !! pic.twitter.com/pRk9KUgfSq— John kelly 25’ (@johnnn6_) April 30, 2024
The latest addition to the Jayhawks’ 2025 recruiting class is running back John Kelly, a 6-foot, 185-pound tailback from Texas. Kelly, who attends Cypress Christian School and also competes in track, made his decision after an unofficial visit to Kansas in March.
Ranked 796th overall, 61st among running backs, and 130th in Texas by 247 Sports’ Composite rankings, Kelly is known for his explosiveness, powerful running style, and ability to hit gaps aggressively. He reportedly chose Kansas over offers from several other schools, including Arizona, Missouri, Washington State, Duke, and Texas Tech.
Kelly’s commitment follows offensive lineman Anderson Kopp’s announcement of his intention to join Kansas earlier in the week. Alongside quarterback David McComb and linebacker Malachi Curvey, Kelly and Kopp comprise a four-man recruiting class for Leipold in 2025. While 247 Sports currently ranks Kansas’ 2025 class 54th in the nation and 10th in the Big 12, these rankings are expected to evolve as more players commit.
#AGTG I am blessed to announce that I am 100% committed to The University of Kansas!🔵🔴 @ASCENSION_AM @CoachLeipold @CoachWallaceKU @CyChristian_Ath
I would like to thank Jesus Christ, family , friends, coaches , and trainers for guidance, and mentorship .
#RockChalk !! pic.twitter.com/pRk9KUgfSq— John kelly 25’ (@johnnn6_) April 30, 2024
With the departure of incoming freshman running back Red Martel to the spring transfer portal, Kelly’s recruitment could prove to be a significant move for the Jayhawks.
As the team seeks a successor to star ball-carrier Devin Neal, who is set to graduate and move on to the NFL after the 2024 season, Kelly’s arrival adds depth and potential to the running back position.
