The 2025–26 college basketball season has officially tipped off, and we’re all locked in on the action. But look a little further down the pipeline, and there appears to be a storm brewing in the high school hoops scene. With programs across the country already circling the Class of 2026, at the center of the hype and drama is the biggest name of them all: Tyran Stokes. Drama, not of the good kind, after he unexpectedly missed the team’s photo day.

Sherman Oaks High School dropped a bombshell on Wednesday, shocking the entire community. According to SportsCenter NEXT, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2026, as ranked by both 247Sports and ESPN, has officially withdrawn from the school.

“Notre Dame High School acknowledges Tyran Stokes’ decision to withdraw and explore new opportunities,” Athletic Director Alec Moss mentioned in a statement. “We appreciate the contributions he made to our basketball program and community during his time here. We wish Tyran all the best as he pursues his future goals, and we are confident he will find success.”

According to Tarek Fattal of SI, Tyran Stokes’ departure may be far more complicated than a routine transfer, which is usually common among high school athletes during the summer break. The youngster had been dealing with disciplinary issues at Notre Dame, including altercations with other students.

The report also claimed that he was suspended earlier this season, causing him to miss multiple high school football games, and noted that he hadn’t been to school at all this week.

Yes, you read that right, football games.

Tyran Stokes isn’t just a basketball standout. He’s also been suiting up on the gridiron for Notre Dame. That’s why some people were already throwing his name in with the likes of LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and Jalen Suggs as a potential two-sport star. But unlike them, who were already dominating in both arenas as teens, Stokes is still at the very beginning of that journey when it comes to being a football star after making his debut in September.

What’s next for Tyran Stokes?

According to the same Tarek Fattal report, Tyran Stokes is expected to target a national powerhouse prep school as his next stop. There’s also been speculation that he could pursue football more seriously, despite being the top basketball prospect in the country. But for now, that seems unlikely. Why?

According to Bleacher Report, Tyran Stokes has already narrowed down his college options to three finalists: Kentucky, Kansas, and Oregon. The Kentucky native has reportedly taken official visits to all three programs, signaling he’s nearing a decision.

It’s not exactly shocking to see Stokes tied to two Nike-backed schools like Kentucky and Oregon after signing his NIL deal with the brand. That connection also suggests that his future is likely still tied to basketball, rather than football. For now, we believe that Stokes will land at a top-tier prep program and stay on course as the No. 1 basketball recruit in the nation.

“I want to play for someone who really appreciates me outside of the court,” Stokes told Rivals not too long ago. “Someone who is going to talk with me just about how things are going and not just talk basketball all the time. I’m looking for a home, a place that I’m going to feel comfortable.”

But there’s another path Stokes could take: Overtime Elite. If he heads in that direction, there’s a good chance he links up with his close friend Taylen Kinney, who’s already playing for Rod Wave Elite in the OTE system. Stokes is clearly keeping all options open. It will be interesting to see what decision he takes next.