In a startling event on the 2026 college basketball recruiting trail, four-star twins Adonis and Darius Ratliff switched their pledge from the Louisville Cardinals to the Baylor Bears. Georgia’s best tandem announced their selection on Thursday morning, picking the Bears against stiff competition from in-state rivals TCU and Texas A&M. The commitment of Adonis and Darius Ratliff is a huge gain for Baylor and head coach Scott Drew, who is helping to cement the program’s status as one of the top destinations for top-tier talent. The twins, both ranked in the top 60 of the 2026 class, had pledged to Louisville since July 2024, but after months of reevaluation and a series of campus visits in early 2025.
“Baylor felt like home the moment we stepped on campus,” said Adonis Ratliff. “The coaching staff, the culture, the facilities — it all just clicked for us.” Darius shared his brother’s enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to be a part of something great. Coach Drew demonstrated how we can improve as players and individuals here. “This is where we belong.”
Adonis, a 6-foot-7 small forward, has received high accolades for his flexibility, quickness, and ability to defend several positions. He’s a high-energy player who thrives in transition and on the glass. Darius, his 6-foot-5 combo guard brother, is an outstanding playmaker with a fluid shooting style and a great basketball IQ. The Ratliff twins are expected to add immediate impact and electricity to Baylor’s lineup when they arrive in the autumn of 2026. Baylor’s staff has been aggressively chasing the Ratliff brothers since they resumed their recruitment in early April. Baylor provided the ideal balance of opportunity and structure, with a track record of generating NBA-caliber talent and a system that encourages both team success and individual improvement.
Their decision is also a huge setback for TCU and Texas A&M, both of which were considered serious challengers down the stretch. TCU made a strong case for immediate playing time, while Texas A&M highlighted their recent success and NIL chances. However, Baylor’s steadiness, championship pedigree, and individualized approach finally prevailed. Louisville’s decommitment is a disheartening development, especially given the program’s efforts to recover footing on the national arena. The Cardinals had high hopes for the Ratliff twins as key pieces in their reconstruction, and their departure creates a noticeable gap in the 2026 class.
This pledge sends a clear message to Baylor: the Bears are not just maintaining their standing as a Big 12 juggernaut, but they are also preparing for something more. With Adonis and Darius Ratliff now in the fold, Waco’s future is brighter than ever.