Kansas and Kentucky have been in a heated recruiting battle for 2026 No. 1 overall prospect Tyran Stokes for what feels like ages now. After delaying his commitment earlier in the year, Stokes still has yet to make a decision on where he will play college basketball next season, but maybe a decision will come soon after his latest visit.
Stokes took a visit to Kentucky over the weekend, and it seems to have gone well, at least according to his Instagram live. Stokes went live on the app while in Rupp Arena, putting up shots, dunking, all while the Wildcats' hype video played on the jumbotron in the background.
Tyran Stokes drains a half court shot at Rupp Arena during his Kentucky visit. pic.twitter.com/GGTllTYW9k
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) April 14, 2026
While a visit is just a visit, it has been some time since Stokes has been in Lawrence, and with head coach Bill Self now focused on building a decimated roster from the transfer portal, maybe Kansas is losing its grip on Stokes.
When Self announced his return to Kansas, many wondered if that would be the final domino in his commitment to Kansas. However, even though Stokes reacted to the news on social media, there has been radio silence on his recruiting updates until it was announced he was taking a visit to Lexington.
Tyran Stokes drama could send Bill Self after Dylan Mingo after recruiting announcement
It seems like Stokes is really taking both Kentucky and Kansas on a wild rollercoaster ride for his commitment, and at some point, both teams are going to have to figure out if it is all worth it. Self has to worry about four new freshmen coming in next season, as well as trying to bring in experienced players with the portal.
The legendary coach can't put all of his attention on one player when he has an entire roster to figure out. While Stokes is very talented and could be a difference maker for Kansas next season, he is taking his sweet time with his commitment.
Maybe this Kentucky visit can open the door for Kansas to start looking at the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2026, Dylan Mingo, who just opened his recruitment back up after being committed to UNC for months. His brother, Kayden Mingo, is in the portal, and if Self could get him to Lawrence, maybe his brother will follow.
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