1. Tyran Stokes - SF
Finally, the No. 1 target in the 2026 class is no question, Tyran Stokes. This was a given, and no one should be surprised. The Louisville native has been trending with Louisville throughout his entire recruiting process, as the Cardinals were once a dominant favorite.
Stokes earned his offer from Louisville back in 2022 and went on to take an official visit to Louisville in October 2024. The Cardinals have been one of his top programs throughout his recruiting process, and have remained the favorite as it heats up. The Cardinals are given a 32.4 percent chance of landing Stokes' commitment, with Kentucky right behind at 28.3 percent.
The consensus 5-star small forward ranks as the nation's top recruit and has now taken visits to Kansas and Kentucky as well. These three programs are at the top of his list, with Arkansas right on their tails. Stokes is currently showcasing why he is Kelsey's No. 1 target and the No. 1 recruit in the nation as he just scored 85 points in two games at the RWE Summer Slam Shootout.
The Cardinals are locked in on Stokes and his recruiting process, as it will be critical for Kelsey to land the Louisville native's commitment over Kentucky and company.
Related: No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes just gave his biggest hint yet at a Louisville commitment
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.