The nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2026, Tyran Stokes, has reaffirmed that he will remain in his class, putting to rest speculation about a potential reclassification to 2025.
“Without a doubt staying in 2026,” Stokes told Kentucky Sports Radio, citing his desire not to rush the process.
The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward is a rare talent who already boasts a decorated résumé, including two gold medals with Team USA at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship (2023) and the U17 World Cup (2024). At the U17 World Cup in Türkiye, Stokes averaged 12.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks, earning All-Second Team honors and showcasing his ability to fill up the stat sheet.
A Star on the EYBL and National Stage
Currently playing for Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, after transferring from Napa Prolific Prep, the Louisville native has dominated on the Nike EYBL circuit, averaging 20.0 points and 8.3 rebounds with shooting splits of 51/40/76.
At Notre Dame, he’ll team with a loaded roster and compete in the prestigious Mission League, adding even more intrigue to one of the toughest high school schedules in the country.
Who’s Recruiting Tyran Stokes?
Stokes’ recruitment reads like a who’s-who of college basketball bluebloods. He currently holds offers from:
- Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, UCLA, Texas, Alabama, USC, North Carolina, UCF
While Stokes has no commitment timeline yet, two programs stand out in terms of head coach involvement: Kansas and Kentucky, with both Bill Self and Mark Pope personally recruiting him.
Louisville, however, is widely seen as the favorite. According to On3 projections, the Cardinals have a 66.8% chance to land Stokes, with Kentucky trailing far behind. A Louisville native who made an official visit back in October 2024, Stokes says his family’s ties to the Cardinals won’t dictate his decision:
“They just want me doing what’s best for me, the best opportunity. Whatever school I go to, they’re gonna support me regardless — even if it’s the opposite of what they like.”
A Player Who Does It All
Ranked as the No. 1 power forward and No. 1 overall player nationally by 247Sports, Stokes brings a unique mix of size, strength, skill, and vision that makes him a mismatch at every level. At just 17, he’s already proven himself against the world’s best young talent through multiple stints with USA Basketball, including earning a spot on the 2025 U19 National Team.
For now, Stokes is focused on improving his game and building relationships with coaches as he prepares for another big high school season.
Player Profile: Tyran Stokes
- Class: 2026
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 230 lbs
- Position: Forward
- Hometown: Louisville, KY
- High School: Notre Dame HS (CA)
- National Rank: No. 1 overall (247Sports)
- Position Rank: No. 1 PF (247Sports)
- Notable Offers: Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, UCLA, Texas, Alabama, USC, North Carolina, UCF
