Jordan Brand Classic MVP Tyran Stokes shines as Kansas surges ahead in the race for the No. 1 recruit's commitment. Decision looms.
Kansas Target Tyran Stokes Wins Jordan Brand Classic MVP
Tyran Stokes’ recruitment has dragged out longer than most expected, but we’re finally getting closer to the finish line, and right now, Kansas looks like it has real momentum. He has now set his three school: Kentucky, Kansas and Oregon
Stokes, the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class, is coming off a huge showing at the Jordan Brand Classic, where he took home MVP honors with 29 points and 9 rebounds. Performances like that are exactly why programs like Kansas and Kentucky have been battling for him for over a year.
As of now, there’s still no official decision, but the noise around his recruitment is starting to lean toward Kansas. Multiple national voices, including Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, have labeled the Jayhawks as the “heavy favorite.” Even Kentucky-based media has started to give KU the edge, which says a lot this late in the process.
The biggest turning point may have already happened, Stokes leaving his visit to Kentucky without committing. That felt like the Wildcats’ best chance to lock him in, and when it didn’t happen, the door swung open for Kansas again.
There’s been some chatter about Nike vs. Adidas playing a role, but honestly, if that’s a deciding factor, that raises bigger questions. What matters more is fit, development, and coaching—and that’s where Bill Self stands out. He’s built a reputation on getting the most out of high-level, sometimes challenging players. That’s something analysts keep pointing to with Stokes.
Goodman even questioned whether Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is the right personality fit, suggesting Stokes may need a tougher coaching style—something Self has proven he can provide.
Kansas has also held a crystal ball prediction for Stokes for a while now, and those projections still haven’t flipped. With a high accuracy rate behind them, that’s another sign pointing toward Lawrence.
At the end of the day, nothing is official yet. Stokes has kept things unpredictable the entire time, and until he announces, both schools are still alive. But if you’re reading the situation right now, Kansas feels like it’s in the driver’s seat. Now it’s just a waiting game.
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