Kansas has fought the hard battle for five-star recruit Tyran Stokes, as well as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2026, and it seems they are leading the way over blue-blood Kentucky. Tyran Stokes was once a lock for the Wildcats, but since delaying his commitment, the Jayhawks have been able to swoop in and make a run for his recruitment.
According to Joe Tipton at Rivals, there is a frontrunner for Stokes' commitment, and as of late, it has been the Jayhawks; the NIL negotiations are slowing matters. Stokes is the No. 1 recruit in the class, and that alone will most likely earn him a large NIL deal, but the Jayhawks already have a five-star and multiple four-star players in their 2026 class.
The recruitment of 5⭐️ Tyran Stokes is becoming clearer, but NIL negotiations could still impact how it plays out.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) February 25, 2026
A behind-the-scenes look into the pursuit of the No. 1 overall recruit: https://t.co/iUNGCKpTvf pic.twitter.com/gPSVAWOwcO
5-star Tyran Stokes could make a late flip for his 2026 commitment
Kansas will have to fight for this one, as Kentucky does not have a single commitment in the Class of 2026, so they may be more willing to make a higher NIL offer to secure Stokes. Bill Self will have to figure out if it is worth it or not to spend that kid of money.
While Stokes has not made any sort of official commitment, it has felt like the Jayhawks are the leader in all of this, especially with the way Self surpassed Kentucky in his recruitment. However, money speaks now in college sports, so Stokes could make the latest change if Kentucky offers more.
Stokes at one point had Oregon in the mix, but it seems like the Ducks are a distant third when it comes to his commitment, and this is a battle solely between Mark Pope and Bill Self.