The South Carolina Gamecocks have officially shaken up the 2026 recruiting landscape, as head coach Lamont Paris lands the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect. This commitment marks a major victory for the program, giving the Gamecocks the edge in one of the most competitive recruiting battles of the year.
Tyran Stokes, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound small forward, has been heavily recruited by top programs across the country, including Kentucky and Oregon. Originally from Louisville, he spent part of his high school career in California before transferring to Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, a program renowned for producing elite basketball talent. With a recently signed Nike NIL deal, many expected him to favor a Nike-affiliated school, but South Carolina’s recruitment efforts ultimately won out.
Kentucky had previously appeared to lead the race for Stokes, with multiple Crystal Ball predictions favoring the Wildcats earlier in the process. However, momentum has shifted over the past several months, and South Carolina now officially emerges as the frontrunner. Paris and his staff’s strategic approach and persistent efforts played a key role in securing the commitment.
With Tyran Stokes officially in the fold, the Gamecocks not only add a generational talent to their roster but also send a strong message to other elite recruits: South Carolina is a program on the rise. While other programs remain active in the 2026 recruiting cycle, this commitment cements the Gamecocks’ place among the national powerhouses vying for top-tier talent.
