Jackson Kiss

Committed · UNLV

C•Utah Prep•Class of 2026

@jack.sonkiss8

6-8

230 lbs

Hurricane

90 Rating

#117|247Sports#22|State (247)#39|Position (247)

Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →

Last checked Feb 11, 2026from 6 sourcesHow we verify →

Scout Report

The relentless motor of a true big man, especially one still growing into his frame, can disrupt an entire game. Jackson Kiss possesses that kind of constant energy, making his presence felt far beyond the box score. He’s the kind of player who wears down opponents and does the dirty work without complaint, a rare commodity in today’s game.

Background

Hailing from Hurricane, Utah, Kiss has carved out a distinct identity at Utah Prep, a program known for attracting and developing serious talent. He’s spent his formative years competing daily against national-level prospects, including top-ranked AJ Dybantsa, fellow big Xavion Staton, and wing Anthony Felesi. This crucible of high-level practice and game experience has undoubtedly accelerated his development, forcing him to refine his game while often being the third or fourth option offensively. It's a journey rooted in strong fundamentals and a work ethic instilled from a young age, positioning him as a blue-collar anchor on a flashy roster.

Playing Style

Kiss is a classic high-motor center who impacts the game through sheer effort and smart positioning. On offense, he’s a consistent vertical threat in the pick-and-roll, showing soft hands for lobs and the athleticism to finish above the rim. He doesn't demand the ball for isolation plays; instead, he thrives as a complementary piece, setting bruising screens, rolling hard, and excelling on put-backs and second-chance opportunities. His decision-making is typically sound, prioritizing the high-percentage play and rarely forcing shots. Defensively, he’s a solid rim protector, using his length and timing to challenge shots without fouling excessively. He anchors the paint, communicates well on rotations, and has shown flashes of being able to switch onto smaller players for short stretches, a critical skill for modern bigs. He runs the floor hard in transition, putting pressure on opposing defenses to match his effort.

Strengths

What immediately pops on film is Kiss’s relentless activity on both ends of the floor. He's a rebounding machine, consistently crashing the glass and securing extra possessions for his team. His defensive positioning is advanced for his age, understanding angles and cutting off driving lanes effectively. He’s also a surprisingly adept passer out of the post or from the short roll, often finding cutters or open shooters with timely dimes. This unselfishness and consistent effort make him an invaluable piece, someone who elevates team play through his willingness to do the unglamorous work.

Areas to Watch

To truly unlock his next level, Jackson will need to develop a more consistent offensive game beyond dunks and put-backs. Adding a reliable 10-15 foot jumper or a fundamental back-to-the-basket move would expand his threat profile significantly. He also needs to continue improving his footwork against quicker, more athletic bigs who might try to exploit his lateral mobility on switches, ensuring he doesn't become a liability in space.

Player Comparison

Kiss projects as a player similar to a collegiate Kevon Looney at UCLA — a smart, strong, active big man who may not be the primary scorer but impacts winning through his defense, rebounding, and screen setting. Both play with an understated intensity, prioritize team success, and possess a knack for being in the right place at the right time. The comparison fits due to their similar frames, high basketball IQ, and ability to thrive in a system without needing a high usage rate.

Recruitment

Jackson Kiss, ranked #117 nationally in the 2026 class, made an early and decisive move, committing to UNLV. This commitment signals a big win for the Rebels, who beat out a dozen other D1 programs, including Iowa State, Northwestern, and Wake Forest. Landing a nationally ranked prospect of his caliber provides a strong foundation for their future frontcourt. The commitment brings stability to his recruiting process, allowing him to focus on developing his game without the constant pressure of evaluations.

Projection

Kiss projects to be a foundational piece for UNLV, a high-major contributor who will anchor their defense and provide consistent rebounding. His floor is a reliable, four-year starter who impacts winning through his effort and intelligence. The path to the professional ranks would require significant offensive skill development and continued physical maturation, but his motor, defensive instincts, and understanding of the game give him an outside chance as a G-League prospect or a solid professional overseas. He’s a high-character player who will maximize his tools.

Updated Jun 13, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team