In the waning days of August 2025, the Indiana University campus in Bloomington buzzed with anticipation. The Hoosiers were preparing to host Taylen Kinney, a five-star point guard from the class of 2026, for an official visit scheduled from August 29 to 31 .
Kinney, a native of Newport, Kentucky, had made a name for himself on the national stage. After transferring to Overtime Elite in Atlanta, he showcased his talents by averaging 20.1 points, five assists, four rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 55.6% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc . His performances earned him the No. 14 spot nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings .
The IU coaching staff, led by newly appointed head coach Darian DeVries, recognized Kinney’s potential to elevate the program. DeVries, who took over the reins in March 2025, brought with him a reputation for developing talent and a vision to restore Indiana’s prominence in college basketball .
Kinney’s visit coincided with the opening weekend of the IU football season, adding to the campus’s vibrant atmosphere. The Hoosiers were set to play Old Dominion on August 30, providing Kinney with a glimpse of the university’s spirited sports culture .
During his visit, Kinney toured the state-of-the-art facilities, engaged in discussions with the coaching staff about his potential role in the team’s future, and experienced the camaraderie and enthusiasm that define Hoosier Nation. The coaching staff emphasized the opportunity for Kinney to make an immediate impact and be a cornerstone in their rebuilding efforts.
Kinney’s recruitment was highly competitive. He had already taken official visits to Louisville and Kentucky and had scheduled future visits to Texas and Oregon . However, Indiana’s rich basketball history and the promise of a leading role under Coach DeVries presented a compelling case.
As Kinney departed Bloomington, the Hoosiers remained hopeful. Securing a commitment from such a high-caliber player would not only bolster their 2026 recruiting class, which already included guard Prince-Alexander Moody from Maryland, but also signal a significant step in their journey back to national prominence .
The coming weeks would be crucial as Kinney weighed his options. Indiana’s blend of tradition, opportunity, and a rejuvenated program under Coach DeVries positioned them as a strong contender in the race for one of the nation’s top point guards.
