The Kansas Jayhawks are looking to bounce back after a disappointing first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament at the hands of Arkansas. It marked the first time since 2006—excluding the canceled 2020 tournament—that Kansas failed to win a game in March Madness. With that in mind, head coach Bill Self is focused on retooling the roster for a stronger run next season.
The Jayhawks recently secured a major addition in elite guard Darryn Peterson, one of the top high school prospects in the nation. Now, the program has its sights set even higher as it pursues the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class: Tyran Stokes.
Stokes, a 6-foot-7 small forward, announced via Instagram that he will be taking a visit to Kansas. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Stokes began his high school career in Napa, California, before transferring to Notre Dame High School in the San Fernando Valley. He first gained national attention three years ago when he competed in the Nike Peach Jam at just 14 years old.
Weighing in at 245 pounds, Stokes combines size, athleticism, and an impressive wingspan, making him a dominant presence near the basket and a tough matchup for defenders.
Jamie Shaw of On3.com offered a detailed scouting report on Tyran Stokes, highlighting his unique blend of size, strength, and athleticism.
“One look at Tyran Stokes and you see a physically imposing player,” Shaw wrote. “Not only does he carry optimal positional size, in the 6-foot-7 range, but he also has a strong frame, with broad shoulders, and great length. Stokes can play either forward spot defensively and is most comfortable facing the basket on offense.
“While Stokes is big, his physical attributes – length and explosive burst – allow him to play bigger than he is listed. When Stokes turns on his alpha switch, this makes him a load for any high school player to attempt to contain. Where a good bit of Stokes’ production comes is in transition, where he shows a lot of instincts.”
Should Stokes choose to commit to Kansas, he and Darryn Peterson could form one of the most dynamic duos in college basketball. Peterson, who has the tools to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft if he declares early, brings a complete offensive arsenal to the table.
In the new era of college basketball, where the transfer portal and NIL opportunities play a massive role, adaptability is key. Kansas, with its rich tradition and consistent success, appears well-positioned to thrive and continue attracting elite talent.
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