Vanderbilt has entered the race for 5-star Kentucky target Tyran Stokes

Tyran Stokes is officially down to three finalists, but that isn’t stopping other schools from trying to jump into the race.

According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Stokes received an offer from the Vanderbilt Commodores on Tuesday night. Ranked No. 1 overall in the 2026 recruiting class, the 6-foot-7 wing announced last month that he’s considering Kentucky, Oregon, and Kansas. UK has been considered the frontrunner for a couple of months now, but there is currently no timeline for a potential commitment.

Mark Byington‘s club is off to a terrific start in his second season as head coach at Vanderbilt, which sits at No. 15 in the latest AP Poll update with a record of 9-0. The ‘Dores have already beaten a handful of solid teams such as Central Florida, VCU, Saint Mary’s, and SMU — schools all ranked among the top 55 in KenPom.

Vanderbilt has offered 5⭐️ Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, source tells @Rivals.https://t.co/swRlpd0stp https://t.co/GYAUtIto3A pic.twitter.com/ncsvhQR2lm

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) December 9, 2025

A Louisville native, Stokes began his senior year at Notre Dame Prep (CA) before recently transferring to Rainier Beach (WA). He played in his first home game with Rainier Beach on Tuesday night, where Kansas assistant coach Kurtis Townsend was in attendance. Stokes popped off for 27 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, eight steals, and two blocks in a win over Bishop Blanchet (WA).

Kentucky coaches could not make the trip to see Stokes play, as the Wildcats were busy beating up on North Carolina Central, 103-67, inside Rupp Arena. Stokes took his official visit to UK in June and received an in-person visit from the Kentucky coaching staff in September.

How hard will Vanderbilt actually pursue Stokes? We’ll find that out as his recruitment goes along. But the Commodores are performing well in both men’s basketball and football, the latter led by a Heisman candidate at quarterback in Diego Pavia. The school appears to be well-funded with NIL money right now, which could help them wiggle into the race for Stokes despite coming on late. Byington already has a solid 2026 recruiting class put together with a trio of four-star commits: SF Ethan Mgbako (No. 73 overall), PG Anthony Browns (No. 87), and PF Jackson Sheffield (No. 101).

The Tryan Stokes Saga continues.

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