2026 Rankings: The Prep Transfer Impact

Non OSSAA affiliated schools are becoming a popular option for in-state and out of state prospects. Leading to a top 10 shake up and ramifications throughout the rankings.   It's year two for Tulsa based South Central Prep. The program has brought in three out of state prospects who were highly regarded in their previous states. Their Class of 2026 additions are highlighted by big man [player_tooltip player_id='1509235' first='Kade' last='Speckman'] from Colorado, along with Texas guards [player_tooltip player_id='1778923' first='J'Den' last='Shields'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2343836' first='Theo' last='Brannan']. It's an influx of talent into the Sooner State, which does lead into the question should prep school transplants be ranked?   *insert shrug emoji*   Since the rankings are ideally snapshots of the Oklahoma high school basketball landscapes, it does makes sense to include the newcomers. The debate would center around the can of worms that should prep schools count as high schools. In the case of the above three prospects, they are original Class of 2026 prospects from their home states. Not Class of 2025 prospects reclassifying back to 2026. In an effort to tell the complete story of Oklahoma basketball prospects for the Class of 2026, they're in the rankings. With the possibility of other South Central transplants being included after more opportunities to watch SCP on stream and in person.   The addition of the top three caused a shake up in the top 10, with the first run included fitting them into the same tier of current OSAAA players who are committed/recruited by similar colleges. This has led to small ranking slips by some of Oklahoma's best prospects throughout the rankings. It's not that those players became worse, it's a number's game that comes with the inclusion of prospects with good pedigrees. As mentioned in nearly every rankings update, the small drop for those players is a big part of the limitations of rankings. As the tier for any prospect near the top who dropped largely stayed the same.   In a somewhat similar situation, Terra Verde has reshaped their high school program. Among the additions are Class of 2026 prospects [player_tooltip player_id='2223695' first='Hudson' last='Franz'], [player_tooltip player_id='2327615' first='Kristian' last='Payne'], [player_tooltip player_id='1552384' first='Kaden' last='Leache'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2802376' first='Heustin' last='Stroops']. Franz is committed to Maine, while the three other prospects are surefire locks for the next level as well. This didn't lead to new prospects in the rankings, but it radically changed the picture of the Oklahoma high school basketball. Leache and Franz remove two leading players from Class 6A. While Stroops' transfer changes the Class 2A picture. This is the new normal for high school basketball with more transfers and non traditional options. And the group of Terra Verde players are betting on themselves to maximize their collegiate potential.      A hard working forward prospect, Speckman makes a two-way impact. Great presence around the rim, long wingspan, good timing and a strong motor. Still will need to be stronger with the ball at the next level, but should come with naturally filling out plus a college level weight room. His eagerness and communication on the defensive end points to him being a long term success. On offense, Speckman tries to dunk everything and has shown glimpse of having extended shooting range. Has played extensively nationally over three years of AAU play, and has started to reap the rewards. With recent offers that include Indiana State, Austin Peay, Mercer, Missouri State and Maine.     Pure bucket getter. Shields has good height for a two guard, complete with a very developed offensive skill set. His ability to hit from deep opens up the rest of his game, with crafty off the bounce scoring. Dictates the pace when stopping in the mid-range, while also being very strong as a two footed finisher. Plays with a bit of grit on defense, which fills out his well rounded game. Committed to Abilene Christian. Given the new nature of college ball, he has the potential to "move up" after a year or two in west Texas.     Traditional point guard, Brannan is expected to set the table for SCP's elite shooters, scorers and bigs. Has glowing write ups form PrepHoops counterparts in Texas. Won Class 5A in Texas last year, with the personal accolades to match. Eager to see Brannan in person, as do not have the in person familiarity with Brannan, as I do with Speckman and Shields.     Franz has been known as a rocky steady three year contributor in Class 6A. Quality all around guard, who can push the pace or run the show in the halfcourt. Has been a strong shooter from three since his freshman year. Sneaky as driver, as he's shifty with a plus wingspan. Often has looked unflappable with the ball in his hands. Committed to Maine.     A big time shot maker. Leache is a sniper by trade. But has worked hard to steadily evolve his all around game. Improved handles and floor vision highlight that evolution. Brings a winning background to Terra Verde, with a 6A State Title last year. And a Southwest Prep title his freshman season at Casady (when they were non OSSAA).     An eastern Oklahoma sleeper no more, Stroops is a legit wing. Smooth shooter off the bounce or as a spot threat. Can put it on the floor to attack mismatches against forwards, or use his height advantage against guards. Unique skillset for his size in Oklahoma. Giving him one of the higher long term upsides among the prospects outside the top 15.

Non OSSAA affiliated schools are becoming a popular option for in-state and out of state prospects. Leading to a top 10 shake up and ramifications throughout the rankings.