Tyran Stokes is considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The five-star prospect has yet to announce his commitment. However, he has revealed Oregon, Kentucky, and Kansas as the finalists in his recruiting process.
In a photo circulating online, the small forward showed off his new tattoo. However, Kentucky fans were quick to observe something else in the picture. In the background, on the television, we see an old clip of a Wildcats game.
This led fans to believe that Tyran Stokes would commit to Kentucky.
“Just wild – he’s a marketing genius. He would soar to another level of popularity at UK. He could fade away on the west coast no one watches those games or play a few high level games at Kansas but would be on national TV every night at UK. Ky fans would go nuts. Could be fun,” one fan wrote.
“There is no way there is just some random old Kentucky game on while he is getting a tattoo,” another fan commented.
“He is legit watching the best UK Freshman Class in 20+ years,” a fan wrote.
However, others argued that the five-star recruit was trolling them amid all the uncertainty.
“Maybe he is trolling but why do this, why not just commit already? It takes more energy to do this than to just get it over with. I’m burned out from this offseason already,” a fan commented.
“Okay, so I really want this kid to come to UK. But if this is trolling, well, I don’t even know what to say,” a fan said.
The small forward participated in the Nike Hoop Summit earlier this month. During an interview with Krysten Peek, he discussed his scheduled visit with Mark Pope’s Wildcats, who have spent months trying to lock in his commitment.
“I will be planning on going to Kentucky sometime this next coming week, anytime after the Hoop Summit,” Stokes said. “It’s a different coaching staff since the last time I was on campus. So, just being able to go out there and talk to them and see what their plan is for me, just go out there and see what they’re talking about.”
During the 2025-26 season, Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats finished with a 22-14 (10-8 SEC) record. They qualified for March Madness, but lost to Iowa State in the second round.
Jeff Goodman shares his thoughts on Tyran Stokes’ commitment decision
Last Wednesday, on the “Field of 68” podcast, basketball analyst Jeff Goodman discussed Tyran Stokes’ recruitment process. He opined that the five-star prospect wants to play for Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks.
However, Goodman also noted that if Stokes lands with Kentucky, it would be a make-or-break season for Mark Pope.
“I think Tyran Stokes wants to go to Kansas,” Goodman said. “I mean, Kansas feels pretty good about the situation right now. Right now, that’s the battle. … I’ve said this over and over. If Kentucky lands Tyran Stokes, there’s gonna be no in between for Mark Pope. This is either gonna be the year that he gets everybody back on his side and everybody loves Mark Pope, or he’s going to be done. There’s no in between with Tyran Stokes.”
Last season, Bill Self led Kansas to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to St. John’s.
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