Kansas Jayhawks: Conversations with the Class of ’26 – Jack Utz

Jack Utz has a special connection to the University of Kansas. Growing up less than an hour away from the campus made it almost too easy for Utz to root for the Jayhawks. Committing to the program in January, Utz has the potential to open a new dynamic in the Jayhawks’ offense.

Kansas Jayhawks Player Spotlight: Jack Utz

Asking Jack Utz what it means to play for Kansas, the tight end reflected on his youth, and how growing up to the school helped make it an easy decision.

“It means the world. Growing up only 45 minutes away from campus, it’s been really easy to be a Kansas fan. Now that I am committed, it adds a whole other level of love for the team.”

Utz joins a 2026 class that boasts a significant local presence for the Jayhawks. Of the 19 commits, nine reside in Kansas or Missouri, with another three coming from Iowa or Oklahoma. That means a dozen of the players in the class are within driving distance of Lawrence.

The Jayhawks have commitments from seven of the top-14 players in Kansas for 2026. That number matches the total from their last six classes combined. For comparison’s sake, Kansas State has matched that total over just the past two years. Utz explained why the Jayhawks might be turning the tides with in-state recruits.

“I think we all see the potential in this program and we want to be a part of it. This ’26 class is really special. With a lot of us being from close by, it’s been really easy for all of us to mesh. That helped us recruit each other.”

Utz had offers from 17 other power conference schools, including seven other Big 12 schools and power houses like Notre Dame and Ole Miss. At the end of the day, though, it was an easy decision for the Kansas City native.

“I feel like what set Kansas apart was how real and consistent they were when recruiting me. It was a breath of fresh air when talking to them because it was real and genuine.”

When it comes to tight ends, the Jayhawks don’t have much of a track record for success. Mason Fairchild had a solid couple seasons in 2022 and 2023, collecting 62 catches for 894 yards and nine touchdowns. That’s about all there is in the way of successful Kansas tight ends in recent memory. However, there is a tight end that plays about an hour east of Lawrence that knows a thing or two about putting up big numbers, and he was Utz’s pick when I asked him who his favorite player is.

“As a tight end and being from Kansas City, it’s really easy to say Travis Kelce … One of the best tight ends in the league. He makes the position look easy and I obviously want to be that player at the next level.”

Lofty expectations aside, Utz has a lot to offer the Jayhawks. He is a versatile player that can impact the game in both the pass and run game. Along with that, he seems to have off the field traits that make him an excellent teammate. He hopes to carry all of that over to his time in Lawrence.

“As a teammate, I am a leader. I’ve been around football enough to know that good teams need good leaders not only on the field, but off of it too. Doing the little things right, being there for my guys to listen, help, and support them when they need it. I strive to be that for my current team and hopefully also at Kansas. As a player, I like to describe myself as a hybrid tight end. I am able to be a threat in the passing game, but also able to put my hand in the dirt and get after it in the trenches.”

I’m sure that attitude is something that any coaching staff loves to hear. On the field, he is willing to do the little things in order to find success for the team. Off the field, he is a stand-up teammate for anyone who needs or asks him to be. Whether it’s on the field or off, Utz wants to leave the University of Kansas a better place than he found it.