Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 overall recruit from Sherman Oaks, California, has inked an NIL deal with Nike ahead of the 2025-2026 basketball season.
Stokes, who is the consensus best player in the 2026 recruiting class, is high on Kentucky’s radar, and this could be a good sign for the Wildcats regarding Stokes’ recruitment.
Nike Basketball posted to social media Friday morning to announce its 2026 class of high school athletes. Stokes joins Aaliyah Chavez and Brandon McCoy Jr. as the newest Nike high school athletes. The
6-7 California native is the most sought-after in his class.
Stokes is a mismatch for just about any player on the court; his unique build enables him to be successful from nearly anywhere on the floor. The Notre Dame HS star is also terrific on the defensive end; his 7-foot wingspan allows him to be a real threat on the glass, and a tough matchup for anyone on the floor.
Stokes gave some insight into his NIL deal with Nike.
“Partnering with Nike means I’m joining a team, a family, and a legacy. I’m going to be surrounded by high-level, talented people who will keep me working hard to be at the top of my game. I also want to work with Nike to connect with young athletes and give feedback on our footwear and apparel — not just from me, but from my community,” said Stokes via the Nike announcement post.
The 5-star small forward is currently down to four schools in his recruitment, with Kentucky considered a front-runner. Stokes doesn’t have a set commitment date, but there is a good possibility he will set a date soon.
With the Oregon Ducks being another major Nike school, this recruitment could be turning into a Kentucky vs. Oregon battle, though we can’t count out Kansas quite yet.
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