1. Tyran Stokes
The Cardinals' glaring No. 1 target in the 2026 cycle is the consensus 5-star and the nation's No. 1 overall recruit, Tyran Stokes. The 6-foot-7 forward recently made history in his gold medal run with Team USA, becoming the first American to earn a triple-double during the FIBA U19 World Cup.
Stokes is the Cardinals' perfect No. 1 option, as not only does he fit Kelsey's style of play and is the clear best player in the class, but he is also a Louisville native. He was born and raised in Louisville, Ky., before moving to California to pursue his basketball dream.
He now attends Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif., where he averaged 21.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. The Cardinals are the favorites to land Stokes' commitment, but it appears they will be in a heated battle with their in-state rival, the Kentucky Wildcats.
Kelsey must win this battle over Mark Pope and Kentucky, because if Louisville can land this historic commitment, then the flood gates will open up in the 2026 cycle, and the Cardinals will have a clean shot at the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation.
Related: 3 absolute long-shot 2026 5-star targets for Louisville Basketball