Since taking the reins at Duke, Jon Scheyer has built a recruiting pipeline that most programs would envy. Year after year, he’s stacked his roster with elite talent, and the 2026 class is no exception. But now comes a pivotal moment-not just for Scheyer’s recruiting résumé, but for the trajectory of Duke basketball’s immediate future.
All eyes are on Jordan Smith Jr.
The five-star combo guard-the top-ranked player at his position and the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class-is set to announce his college decision on Friday, February 13. His finalists? A who’s who of college hoops royalty: Duke, Kentucky, Arkansas, Syracuse, Indiana, and Georgetown.
For Duke, the stakes are high-but so is the potential reward.
Scheyer already has commitments from four high-level recruits: five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., five-star wing Bryson Howard, five-star big man Cameron Williams, and four-star center Maxime Meyer. That group alone has already solidified Duke as the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.
Add Smith to the mix, and it’s not just a great class-it’s a potential powerhouse.
Smith has been a headliner throughout the recruiting cycle. At 6-foot-2, he brings a rare blend of scoring, vision, and defensive tenacity.
He’s the kind of player who can run the offense or play off the ball, depending on the matchup. His high school numbers-18.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game-back up the hype.
He’s not just a highlight reel; he’s a stat-sheet stuffer who impacts the game on both ends.
And when it comes to Duke, there’s already familiarity. Smith has visited multiple times and has strong ties to the program. Two of his former teammates-Patrick Ngongba and Darren Harris-are already in Durham, and his relationship with Duke assistant coach Chris Carrawell has been a key factor throughout his recruitment.
“I have a really strong relationship with them,” Smith told Rivals. “I love going down there.”
That connection could be the difference-maker.
While 20 programs extended offers-including UNC, a notable omission from Smith’s final list-only six remain in the running. And Duke, with its track record of developing NBA-ready guards and its strong 2026 class already in place, presents a compelling case.
If Smith picks the Blue Devils, Scheyer will have landed what amounts to an entire starting five of top-tier talent. That’s not just recruiting dominance-it’s a foundation for a potential national title run in the years to come.
The countdown is on. Friday’s decision could be the final piece of an already elite puzzle-or a missed opportunity in an ultra-competitive recruiting landscape. Either way, the college basketball world will be watching.