Highlights
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Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class, is nearing his college commitment, with Kentucky still viewed as the favorite.
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Kansas has emerged as the Wildcats’ biggest competition, while Oregon’s early Nike-related buzz has cooled.
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Stokes, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward from Notre Dame High School, remains in contact with all five finalists and is expected to announce soon.
The college basketball world continues to wait on a decision from Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, as the five-star forward edges closer to his long-anticipated commitment.
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Stokes is down to five schools: Kentucky, Louisville, Oregon, Kansas, and USC. According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Kentucky has long been considered the frontrunner, and that hasn’t changed. Tipton previously noted that Stokes’ home-state ties and connection to new head coach Mark Pope give the Wildcats clear momentum.
However, Kansas has quietly positioned itself as Kentucky’s biggest challenger. Tipton reports that the Jayhawks have made a strong impression on Stokes, thanks in part to their recent success and the efforts of Kansas commit Taylen Kinney, who has been actively recruiting Stokes to Lawrence both publicly and privately.
While Oregon had once been viewed as a dark-horse contender due to Stokes’ Nike NIL deal, that connection now appears to have taken a backseat. Still, Tipton emphasizes that Stokes has not shut down communication with any of his five finalists, indicating that other programs remain in the mix, even if Kentucky remains in the lead.
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Notre Dame High School (CA) forward Tyran Stokes (4).© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A decision was rumored to come last Friday, but no announcement followed. Regardless, Tipton believes all signs point toward the recruitment nearing its conclusion, with a commitment expected in the near future.
Stokes would be a massive acquisition for any of his top five schools. Standing at 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, the Notre Dame High School senior possesses a strong frame to go alongside a polished skillset ready for the next level. He’s shown the ability to dominate physically on both ends and score the ball at all three levels, making him a top target for many of the nation’s best programs.
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Outside of his top five, Stokes also holds offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Houston, North Carolina and UCLA, to name a few.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
