The Kansas Jayhawks are aiming to set up their 2026 lineup around one name, Tyran Stokes. Yes, Stokes is one of two 5-stars joining the roster, alongside Taylen Kinney. But Stokes also marks Kansas’ back-to-back No. 1 commitment from the high school ranks. An impressive mark for head coach Bill Self and his staff.
Today’s task is to look at Kansas’ small forward spot including Stokes and depth behind him, because there is a bit of a question mark.
Stokes has one year to prove why he is worthy of all the hype
Players like Stokes don’t just appear every day. Last season for Rainier Beach High School, Stokes averaged 31 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for the eventual Washington 3A Champions, who went 29-1.
In all likelihood, Stokes will be leaving KU after just one season, where he could easily find himself as the NBA’s top choice come the draft, which means his one and only season needs to show some highs.
So far, when Bill Self has spoken with the media during the offseason, he has heaped praise on Stokes, relaying that Stokes is an “all-around, do a little bit of everything” kind of player.
Earlier this month, when speaking on Jon Rothstein’s “Inside College Basketball Now”, Self compared Stokes to two former KU cult heroes, saying. “I think it's kind of a combination. I think kind of a Wiggs [Andrew Wiggins]. But also a Josh Jackson.”
“Josh was a dog. And Wiggs was so explosive. Tyran's not as explosive as Wiggins, but Tyran is a tremendous athlete and he's unbelievably skilled. But he's got some dog in him like Josh.”
If that doesn’t get Kansas fans excited, then we aren’t sure what will.
Who will play behind him?
Stokes, of course, will be leading the front line, but what's behind him is a bit unknown. 4-star freshman Trent Perry was tipped as a small forward coming out of high school. Holding offers from Maryland, TCU, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, SMU and others, but the nation’s No. 99 recruit in the class of 2026 is still probably too raw.
We would also like to nominate Dennis Parker Jr. who we assumed would be the backup small forward heading into the summer, as the shooting guard spot is filled up nicely. Parker’s 6-foot-7 height also doesn’t make him an undersized player at that position. If need be, could Kohl Rosario fill in?
Overall Grade: A+
Now, grading this spot so well was a bit of a struggle, as you can see; their depth is the biggest reason why. Until the season starts to click and we actually find out who they will enlist behind Stokes, that is a slight concern. However, on the starting line you have one of the nation’s best players, and that right there is enough for the A+. This is a team built for Stokes, and the fortunes of KU’s 2026-27 season rely on him.
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