SoccerRecap
Penalty drama reigns as Arsenal draw with Atletico Madrid
Penalty drama as Arsenal draws 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in Champions League semi-final.
Sky Sports1 min read
NBA
The nation’s top basketball recruit will play in the Big 12
TL;DR
Top high school basketball recruit Tyran Stokes has committed to the Kansas Jayhawks, choosing them over Kentucky. This addition strengthens Kansas's roster for the upcoming season.
Key points
- Tyran Stokes is the top high school basketball recruit.
- He has committed to the Kansas Jayhawks.
- Stokes chose Kansas over Kentucky.
Tyran StokesKansas JayhawksKentucky Wildcats
Rainier Beach Tyran Stokes (4) in action against Bishop McNamara during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Springfield, MA. | Gregory Payan
The Big 12 just added another star for next season.
Consensus top high school recruit Tyran Stokes has committed to the Kansas Jayhawks, he announced Tuesday night on ESPN.
Stokes chose Kansas over a number of other notable programs, with former BYU head coach Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats coming in second place for his services.
The 6-foot-7 small forward for Seattle’s Rainier Beach High is rated as a five-star prospect and the nation’s No. 1 player for the class of 2026 by 247 Sports, also ranking as the site’s No. 2 signee all-time for the Jayhawks.
“He’s powerful, long, and explosively athletic,” wrote 247 Sports’ Adam Finkelstein of Stokes. “But while he’s built like a forward, he can make plays like a guard with an ability to create off the dribble and an innate understanding of how to instinctively find a path to the rim, even when one doesn’t seem to initially present itself.
“... Stokes has more sheer talent than anyone in the country and while he’s continued to grow his offensive game with each passing year, he now just needs to prove that he can consistently drive winning.”
Playing under legendary head coach Bill Self, Stokes will attempt to lead Kansas — one of the most prestigious programs in all of college basketball — past the NCAA Tournament’s second round for the first time since 2022.
Both BYU and Utah will be guaranteed at least one matchup against Stokes’ Jayhawks this coming season.
With Stokes’ commitment, seven out of the 27 five-star recruits (26%) in the class of 2026 have pledged to Big 12 schools, including BYU’s Bruce Branch III and Caleb Holt of Arizona.
In 2025, 10 of 27 five-star prospects (37%) played in the Big 12, with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson — the likely top two selections in this summer’s NBA draft — leading the charge.
Q&A
Who is Tyran Stokes and what is his significance in basketball?
Tyran Stokes is a consensus top high school basketball recruit, known for his exceptional skills and athleticism, making him a highly sought-after player for college programs.
Which college programs were in competition for Tyran Stokes?
Tyran Stokes chose Kansas over several programs, with Kentucky, led by former BYU head coach Mark Pope, being the runner-up in his recruitment.
What impact will Tyran Stokes have on the Kansas Jayhawks next season?
Tyran Stokes's commitment is expected to significantly enhance the Kansas Jayhawks' roster, adding depth and talent as they compete in the Big 12.
