No. 1 2026 Five-Star Forward Commits to Kentucky, Boosting Wildcats’ Recruiting Power
*Lexington, KY – September 26, 2025* — In a monumental win for John Calipari and the Kentucky men’s basketball program, the nation’s No. 1 ranked player in the class of 2026 has officially committed to the Wildcats. Five-star forward **Tyran Stokes**, a 6-foot-7 phenom from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, announced his decision Friday morning, choosing Kentucky over finalists including Notre Dame, Louisville, and Missouri.
The commitment instantly elevates Kentucky’s 2026 recruiting class to elite status and reaffirms the program’s dominance on the national recruiting scene. Stokes, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and physically gifted forwards in recent memory, brings a rare combination of size, skill, and explosiveness. His ability to score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and lead on the floor makes him a potential one-and-done lottery pick.
“This is where I’ve always dreamed of playing,” Stokes said during a nationally televised announcement. “Coach Cal believes in me, and I believe in what he’s building at Kentucky. I want to be part of a championship team, and I know we can do that in Lexington.”
The announcement ends months of intense speculation around Stokes’ recruitment. Notre Dame, which had gained momentum in recent weeks, was considered a strong contender due to relationships within the program. However, Kentucky’s tradition, national platform, and Calipari’s track record of developing NBA talent ultimately swayed the decision.
Coach John Calipari praised Stokes in a statement shortly after the announcement: “Tyran is a game-changer. He’s not only an incredible athlete and basketball player, but also a high-character young man who understands what it means to wear Kentucky blue. Our fans are going to love him.”
Stokes joins what is shaping up to be another stacked class for Kentucky. His commitment follows that of four-star point guard Isaiah Davis and top-30 wing Brandon Mitchell, giving the Wildcats an early lead in the 2026 recruiting rankings.
With this addition, Kentucky sends a loud message to the college basketball world: Big Blue Nation remains a destination for the best of the best. As Stokes prepares for his senior season, fans in Lexington can already start dreaming of the next championship run — with a superstar forward leading the charge.