Overview

• Olajuwon announced his pledge on Saturday after narrowing his choices to Stanford, Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Houston, with recent visits to Cincinnati and Vanderbilt following a summer trip to Stanford.
• ESPN ranks the IMG Academy wing No. 40 in the 2026 class, while the Rivals Industry Ranking lists him No. 62 overall and No. 23 among small forwards.
• He told reporters the staff made him feel valued beyond basketball and outlined a clear plan for his growth and role in the system.
• A standout on the Nike EYBL circuit for JL3, he averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists and showed a rising perimeter shot, including nearly 42% from three at Peach Jam.
• Stanford lands its first ESPN 100 recruit since Kyle Smith took over in March 2024, with Olajuwon joining four-star guard Isaiah Rogers in the Cardinal’s 2026 class.