The race for Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2026, is starting to take shape, and Kentucky appears to be out in front.
According to Joe Tipton of Rivals, Mark Pope and the Wildcats have made Stokes their top priority, giving the Louisville native a chance to return home and play on one of the biggest stages in college basketball.
“Kentucky is the school that comes up the most often. Mark Pope and the Wildcats have made Stokes their top priority and present him an opportunity
to return to his home state and play on one of the biggest stages in college basketball. I personally think Kentucky has the momentum in this recruitment,” Tipton said, adding that he’s hearing a decision ‘could’ come on Friday, October 10th, so the end may be near in this recruitment.
Adding to that momentum, 247 Sports has placed a Crystal Ball prediction for Stokes to commit to Kentucky with a 6/10 confidence rating, which means other experts will soon start doing the same, with hopefully a commitment coming soon.
However, Oregon is still very much in the mix. Tipton noted that multiple sources believe the Ducks could make a strong push, especially with Nike co-founder and Oregon booster Phil Knight reportedly getting involved in the recruitment.
For now, Kentucky fans have reason to feel optimistic that Mark Pope is able to get his first big-time commitment from the high school ranks going into year two under him.
But until the decision is made, there’s still work to be done.
