Duke’s 2027 recruiting class already has a headliner, and Kager Knueppel keeps backing up the hype.
The 2027 four-star forward, the first recruit Duke offered in the class and later the Blue Devils’ first commitment, opened the 2026 Nike EYBL Peach Jam with a strong showing for Team Herro. In Tuesday’s 73-65 win over Jet Academy, Knueppel filled the box score in a way that fits his rising profile: 15 points, a team-high six assists, four rebounds and two blocks in 29 minutes.
He did it efficiently, too, going 6-of-8 from the field and 2-of-4 from three-point range.
Knueppel, the younger brother of former Blue Devil and current Charlotte Hornet Kon Knueppel, has become one of the biggest risers in the 2027 class. Duke’s early connection to the family mattered, but his long-term appeal is built on more than that. At 6-foot-9, he brings length, a proven perimeter shot, ball skills and the kind of footwork that lets him defend multiple spots.
That blend has pushed him up the national board. According to the 247Sports 2027 Composite Rankings, the Wisconsin native is now No. 22 overall, No. 2 among power forwards and No. 2 in the state of Wisconsin. He has also picked up a fifth star in the 247Sports Composite.
Team Herro’s next game at Peach Jam comes Wednesday at 6:00 pm ET against Vegas Elite.
For Duke, Knueppel’s climb gives Jon Scheyer and his staff a strong early building block in the 2027 class. The Blue Devils have continued casting a wide net, too. They’ve been involved with 5-star guard Beckham Black for months, and Black recently moved to No. 1 overall in the class after Marcus Spears Jr. reclassified to 2026 and committed to Texas.
Duke has also offered 5-star combo guard Adan Diggs, who ranks No. 3 overall in the class, and 5-star seven-foot big man Lewis Uvwo, the No. 1 center in 2027.
The top of the class is loaded, and Duke already has its foot in the door with several of the biggest names.
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