Tyran Stokes, the top-ranked player in the 2026 high school basketball class, remains a focal point of discussion for his elite on-court talent and the persistent speculation surrounding a possible reclassification to the class of 2025.
The 6-foot-7, 245-pound forward from Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Notre Dame has long been considered one of the country’s most college-ready high school prospects. His physical maturity and polished game have led many to believe a move to the 2025 class could be imminent.
However, despite skipping the AAU circuit this summer—a move often associated with an early jump—Stokes has maintained he intends to stay in the class of 2026. His mother, Keaira, added further clarity in April, telling The Kansas City Star that a reclassification has “never been on the table.” That sentiment was echoed again this month by national radio host Aaron Torres.
Aaron Torres Weighs In on Reclassification Talk Surrounding Tyran Stokes
On his YouTube channel, Fox Sports Radio’s Aaron Torres weighed in on the situation and expressed confidence in Stokes’ current path.
“I do think it’s fair to work under the assumption that he will be playing high school basketball next year and that he is a true 2026 kid—something that I don’t know that I felt a month ago,” Torres said.
Stokes recently announced that he would not participate in the AAU circuit this summer, further fueling speculation. However, his consistent public stance and input from his family and national analysts indicate that he plans to remain in the 2026 class.
Recent Visits to Kansas and Kentucky Signal a Heated Recruiting Battle
Stokes’ recruitment has entered a critical stage as powerhouse programs ramp up their efforts to secure his commitment. He visited Kansas in April 2025 for an official visit, continuing a recruitment process that began during former head coach John Calipari’s tenure. Stokes previously visited Louisville last fall.
Over the weekend, On3’s Joe Tipton reported that Stokes is currently being hosted on an official visit by Kentucky. This is his first trip to Lexington after a previously scheduled May visit was postponed.
5⭐️ Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 ranked player in the 2026 class, is currently on an official visit to Kentucky, source told @On3Recruits.
The 6-foot-7 small forward is a Louisville, KY native.https://t.co/f39DgH604K pic.twitter.com/JRtlvq1jcl
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 8, 2025
With Mark Pope now at the helm, Kentucky has intensified its pursuit. Pope re-offered Stokes shortly after taking over and prioritized his recruitment. UK assistant Jason Hart has been a point of contact, leveraging strong West Coast ties.
Stokes was born in Louisville and raised there until age 9, So He has deep Kentucky roots. That local connection only adds intrigue to his recruitment, which also features Arkansas and Auburn as potential landing spots.
Keep Reading: No. 1-Ranked Junior Tyran Stokes Puts Up a Statement Performance Against No. 1-Ranked Sophomore at the Nike EYBL
Though the final decision could stretch into next year, Stokes’ visits indicate that the nation’s top junior is already being treated like a senior by programs that want to build around him. For now, all signs point to him staying in 2026, but everything remains fluid in the NIL era.
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