Louisville basketball's No. 1 target in the 2026 recruiting class is undoubtedly the Louisville native and the No. 1 recruit in the cycle, Tyran Stokes. The 6-foot-7 225 225-pound small forward is the most dominant recruit in the class and has proven over the years that he is the clear best player in this highly recruited class.
The Cardinals were once the dominant favorite to land Stokes after landing a visit back in October 2024, but since then, he has visited Kentucky and Kansas and has a few more visits lined up. Stokes and his party have done an excellent job of keeping his recruiting process a big secret and making his decision somewhat mysterious, but now and then, a hint is let out, making Louisville or Kentucky fans believe they are the favorite.
Well, On3 Sports/Rivals Jamie Shaw just reported the recent update on Stokes, and Kentucky fans are jumping for joy and super excited, while Louisville fans are raising some eyebrows and growing more and more concerned over their native prospect.
Related: No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes just gave his biggest hint yet at a Louisville commitment
Jamie Shaw drops a bombshell update on Tyran Stokes
The last update on Stokes that really was given was a recent interview where the No. 1 recruit quoted Pat Kelesey putting the Cardinals fans in a complete frenzy. Louisville fans thought this was the biggest hint yet, and they believed he was leaning towards red and black rather than blue and white. Well, Shaw is here to tell Louisville fans some crushing news.
"Gathering the intel around there became some buzz during Peach Jam, leaning towards Kentucky," Shaw stated on the Kentucky Sports Radio show. "There's been a lot of momentum picking up towards Kentucky's way. Started kind of at Peach Jam and all that."
Shaw emphasized that he and those close to him have done a good job keeping it within the party and not giving out much information, but not too long ago at the Peach Jam event, it was the Wildcats gaining momentum, rather than the Cardinals.
"The Kentucky momentum is real," Shaw stated. "There are multiple sources, multiple directions that's coming from with the Kentucky aspect."
Some other teams Louisville fans should keep an eye on are Oregon, Arkansas, and Gonzaga, but the biggest threat is the Wildcats. The Cardinals know how significant this is. Kelsey and the program want to be the best team in the state, and losing a recruit from the city to Mark Pope's Wildcats would speak volumes about who is the best recruiting team in the state.
Stokes' mom has stated in an interview that the family doesn't watch Kentucky basketball and they are Louisville fans, and the Cardinals want to keep it that way. But as Shaw stated, the Wildcats are gaining momentum, and they are gaining it fast. The Cardinals have to keep pushing and do whatever it takes to earn this coveted 5-star commitment because it would be a crushing blow to see him playing in white and blue rather than red and black.
Related: Louisville basketball's 2026 recruiting class wish list
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.