The battle for Tyran Stokes' commitment is still raging on as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2026 still has yet to make his decision, despite what some Kentucky fans are trying to believe. Even after an amazing performance in the McDonald's All-American Game, Stokes is still taking time to make his decision.
There was a thought that after Kansas head coach Bill Self made his decision on staying in Lawrence for another season, maybe Stokes would be prompted to decide, but still silence. However, one Kentucky fan thought he might have cracked the code on Stokes picking the Wildcats, but it was a foolish attempt.
Clearly, Stokes saw the post as well as the fan analyzing a video from Mark Pope on a flight, trying to connect the dots and coming to the conclusion that it meant Stokes was picking Kentucky. After seeing the video, the five-star recruit actually commented about how it made him laugh, and he is still just an 18-year-old trying to make one of the toughest decisions in his life, and it isn't all about the money.
A video like this could be what decides to fully push Stokes right to Kansas, as he could be feeling too much pressure from the Wildcats and their fans.
A Kentucky ‘fan’ posted on TikTok that Tyran Stokes is “a CAT and it is happening,” and Tyran responded in the comments:
— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) April 5, 2026
“Y’all actually make me laugh. Y’all realize I’m an 18 year old tryna make the biggest decision of my life while the whole world is basically rushing me,… pic.twitter.com/V9RUAc7gBD
Latest Transfer Portal news means Bill Self desperately needs to land Tyran Stokes
As if Kansas fans weren't already on pins and needles awaiting the news about Stokes' recruitment, now they are probably even more stressed about it with all the transfer portal news. The Jayhawks have been hit hard with three transfer portal departures: Flory Bidunga, Bryson Tiller, and Paul Mbiya.
The loss of those three players, as well as players out of eligibility like Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White, as well as players heading to the NBA like Darryn Peterson, Kansas needs a commitment from Stokes now more than ever.
The Jayhawks will not have a single player from their starting lineup return next season, so losing Stokes is something Bill Self can't afford.