Tyran Stokes has already built an impressive résumé, but the best is yet to come. As he prepares for his final year of high school at Notre Dame Sherman Oaks and continues to dominate the EYBL circuit, he’s cementing his status as the most promising player in the Class of 2025
Whether it’s delivering clutch performances, engaging with fans, or representing his team with pride, Stokes is embracing every aspect of his journey.
And as the spotlight grows brighter, so too does his potential to become the next face of basketball.
With another full season of high school basketball ahead, Tyran Stokes will remain under the microscope as one of the most-watched prospects in the country. His college decision is poised to be a major storyline heading into 2026.
Whether he chooses Louisville, Kansas, or surprises everyone with an unexpected pick, the college basketball world will be paying close attention.
The battle between Louisville and Kansas isn’t just about landing one player—it’s a high-stakes clash that could shape the futures of two major programs.
For now, all eyes are on Tyran Stokes as he weighs his options and prepares to make one of the most important decisions of his young career.
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Table of Contents
Tyran Stokes: Who Is He?
The Rising Star of High School Basketball
As the high school basketball scene heats up, few names are commanding as much attention as Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2025.1
Standing tall at 6-foot-8, Stokes has captivated fans, scouts, and analysts with his mix of size, skill, and composure.
With a move to Notre Dame Sherman Oaks ahead of his senior season, his profile is only expected to grow.
A New Chapter at Notre Dame Sherman Oaks
After beginning his high school career at Prolific Prep in 2022, Tyran Stokes is now preparing for a new chapter.
In a much-anticipated decision, the forward will play his senior year at Notre Dame Sherman Oaks, a school known for its elite athletic programs.
This move could further elevate his national exposure and allow him to round out his development as a player and leader.
Notre Dame Sherman Oaks offers a strong competitive environment, excellent coaching staff, and a rigorous schedule that should challenge Stokes in new ways. It also brings him closer to the Los Angeles basketball scene, a hotbed for elite high school talent.
Why can’t yall give a kid some privacy
— tyran stokes (@tyran_stokes) May 15, 2025
The EYBL Effect: Building a National Brand
Stokes’ dominance extends beyond the high school circuit. Competing in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) with the Oakland Soldiers, he’s emerged as a headline act.
The league, known for featuring future college and NBA stars, has been the perfect stage for Stokes to showcase his talents.
During Session 3, Stokes delivered a string of stellar performances. His standout game came against Team Durant, where he tallied 30 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in a powerhouse effort. His ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game highlights his status as a future all-around star.
An Unexpected Hotel Encounter with Fans
One moment that went viral wasn’t on the court but rather in a hotel hallway.
According to The Hoops Pill, fans staying in the same hotel during Nike EYBL Session 3 discovered Stokes’ room number and slipped autograph requests under his door. In an act of humility and kindness, he signed and returned every single one.
This simple gesture revealed a lot about Stokes’ character. For a teenager juggling national expectations and growing media attention, he remains grounded and generous with his time.
Tyran Stokes: Leading the Charge with Jason Crowe Jr.
Tyran Stokes isn’t doing it all alone. He’s sharing the court with Jason Crowe Jr., the No. 6 recruit in the Class of 2026.2
Together, they form a dynamic duo for the Oakland Soldiers, currently sitting third in the Merritt Division with an 8-3 record.
Crowe, known for his elite ball-handling and shot creation, perfectly complements Stokes’ inside-out versatility.
The synergy between the two players is one of the key reasons the Soldiers are among the most talked-about teams on the EYBL circuit.
Session 3 Breakdown: The Highlights
The Oakland Soldiers had a strong showing in the third EYBL session, winning three of their four matchups:
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Friday: Defeated Jet Academy, 74-67
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Saturday: Overcame PSA Cardinals, 68-54
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Sunday: Lost to Team Durant, 78-68
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Monday: Narrow loss to Team Herro, 79-75
Despite the two losses, Stokes’ consistent high-level play stood out. His efficiency, rebounding, and ability to carry the team in crunch time elevated his stock even further.
Dominance Against Team Durant: A Statement Game
Among his many standout performances, Stokes’ game against Team Durant was perhaps the most dominant. He went 10-for-18 from the field, hit a three-pointer, and was a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. But his impact went far beyond scoring.
With 18 rebounds, he controlled the glass. His five assists demonstrated vision and unselfish play, and four steals showed his defensive awareness. Playing 32 minutes, he hardly left the floor, proving his endurance and importance to the team.
This all-around performance sent a message to scouts and opponents alike: Tyran Stokes is not just a highlight-reel player—he’s a game-changer.
Upcoming Challenges in Session 4
The next round of competition kicks off on July 10, and the Oakland Soldiers face a formidable lineup of teams:
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Utah Prospects
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Vegas Elite
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Boo Williams
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Expressions Elite
These matchups will test the team’s depth and cohesion. But with Stokes at the helm, expectations are high. A strong showing in Session 4 could secure their spot among the top seeds heading into championship play.
Tyran Stokes: Social Media Impact
From IG Stories to Highlight Reels
In the digital age, visibility is everything. Stokes’ popularity has surged thanks to his highlight reels and social media presence, particularly on platforms like Instagram.3
His story shared by The Hoops Pill generated buzz, with clips showing his athleticism, smooth handle, and physical dominance.
With tags from popular basketball pages and respected content creators, his following continues to grow, bringing additional spotlight to his team and the EYBL as a whole.
Role Model in the Making
More than just an elite recruit, Stokes is shaping up to be a role model for younger athletes. His on-court excellence is matched by his sportsmanship, leadership, and accessibility to fans.
By remaining humble and focused, he’s not only setting an example for teammates like Jason Crowe Jr. but also for the next generation watching him rise through the ranks.
A Future NCAA Superstar?
With his senior year approaching, speculation around Stokes’ college decision is intensifying.
Programs from Power Five conferences are lining up to recruit him. Given his skill set, Stokes is expected to make an immediate impact at the college level, wherever he lands.
He projects as a versatile power forward with the potential to play both ends of the floor. His maturity, motor, and team-first mentality make him an ideal fit for any coach building a championship-caliber roster.
The Mental Side of Stardom
Stokes’ ability to remain grounded amid growing fame is just as impressive as his on-court production. Whether it’s signing autographs in a hotel or acknowledging young fans courtside, his humility and maturity set him apart.
At only 17, he’s already navigating pressures usually reserved for college or professional players. He’s quickly learning how to balance performance, expectations, media attention, and fan interactions—a rare skill at this stage.
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Louisville and Kansas Leading the Race to Sign Tyran Stokes
Rising Star of the Class of 2026
Tyran Stokes is quickly becoming one of the most coveted high school basketball prospects in the country.
As a standout forward in the Class of 2026, Stokes has already attracted serious attention from numerous powerhouse programs across the nation.
The 6-foot-7 phenom has been hailed not just for his size and athleticism, but for his court vision, shot-making ability, and defensive presence.
With over 20 scholarship offers already on the table, his recruitment is heating up well ahead of his senior season.
The Contenders: Who’s in the Mix?
While dozens of programs have shown interest, six schools have emerged as the most notable suitors for Stokes: the Louisville Cardinals, Kansas Jayhawks, Arizona State Sun Devils, LSU Tigers, Jackson State Tigers, and Ole Miss Rebels.
However, recruiting experts suggest that this is rapidly becoming a two-horse race.
According to On3’s Recruitment Prediction Machine (RPM), Louisville and Kansas are the overwhelming favorites.
Louisville currently leads with a 42.7% prediction, while Kansas trails closely with 37.3%.
The University of Kentucky, despite its storied basketball history, only holds a 1.0% chance. The remaining programs, including Arizona State, LSU, Jackson State, and Ole Miss, are given less than a 1% probability each.
Louisville: Building Momentum with a Strong Pitch
The Louisville Cardinals are surging in the recruitment of Tyran Stokes. Head coach Pat Kelsey, who recently took over the reins of the storied program, has made it clear that landing top-tier talent like Stokes is a major priority.
The Cardinals hosted Stokes for an official visit on October 3, 2023, and by all accounts, the visit left a strong impression.
Louisville’s pitch centers around early playing time, player development, and an aggressive rebuild strategy that would position Stokes as a centerpiece for the program’s resurgence.
The Cardinals’ facilities, passionate fan base, and rich basketball tradition also add to their appeal. With the RPM tipping slightly in their favor, Louisville appears to be doing all the right things to make a compelling case.
Kansas: A Proven Pathway to the NBA
The Kansas Jayhawks are not far behind, and they bring to the table a pedigree that few programs can match.
Under head coach Bill Self, Kansas has become a factory for producing NBA-ready talent. The Jayhawks hosted Stokes for an official visit on April 19, 2024, and insiders suggest the visit significantly improved their standing in his recruitment.
Kansas is selling the “blue blood” experience: packed arenas, high-level competition in the Big 12, and a legacy of producing NBA players.
The Jayhawks’ ability to showcase Stokes on a national platform and prepare him for the next level could be a decisive factor. The 37.3% prediction by On3 places them right on Louisville’s heels and indicates a fiercely competitive battle ahead.
Tyran Stokes: Other Programs in the Hunt
Despite the low percentage odds, it’s important not to entirely dismiss the other schools in the mix.
Arizona State, LSU, Jackson State, and Ole Miss have all extended offers and may still have opportunities to sway the young star’s decision, especially if any coaching changes or program developments shift the landscape.
Jackson State’s involvement is particularly interesting given the trend of high-profile athletes considering HBCUs.
While a long shot, Stokes choosing an unconventional path could reshape conversations around elite recruits and their destination choices.
Why Stokes is a Game-Changer
Tyran Stokes is not just another name in a long list of prospects—he’s a player with the potential to alter the trajectory of a college program.
A dynamic scorer who can finish at the rim and stretch the floor, Stokes combines size, skill, and basketball IQ in a way that makes him a matchup nightmare. He’s already known for his ability to guard multiple positions, making him a versatile two-way player.
His game draws comparisons to elite college forwards of recent years—players who have made immediate impacts at the collegiate level before heading to the NBA.
Programs are not just recruiting a player—they’re recruiting a potential one-and-done star who can elevate their national profile.
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Two Visits, Two Impressions
The two official visits that Stokes has taken—first to Louisville and then to Kansas—will likely weigh heavily in his decision-making process. While both visits reportedly went well, they each offered different experiences.
Louisville showcased a program hungry to return to national relevance with Stokes as a key figure. Kansas, on the other hand, demonstrated what sustained excellence looks like and how he would fit into a well-oiled, championship-caliber system.
Stokes has not yet revealed which visit made the strongest impact, but recruiting insiders believe both programs are staying in close contact and continuing to push hard to win him over.
Family and Development Considerations
Another major factor in Stokes’ decision could be how each school plans to involve his family in the recruiting process and support system.
Like many elite prospects, Stokes is surrounded by a strong family unit that wants the best development path for him—not just on the court, but off it as well.
Louisville’s close proximity to his roots could be a comfort factor, while Kansas offers a broader national brand that might appeal to long-term career aspirations. Both schools will need to continue nurturing strong relationships not only with Stokes himself but with his inner circle.
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