Even without landing Jordan Smith Jr., Duke’s 2026 recruiting class still sits comfortably on top of the college basketball world - and that’s not just hype, it’s backed by numbers and talent that speak for themselves.
Sure, Smith, a dynamic five-star combo guard, would’ve added another layer of firepower to Jon Scheyer’s already loaded group. Instead, he’s headed to Arkansas to join John Calipari and a Razorbacks squad that’s building something strong of their own.
But let’s be clear: Duke didn’t need Smith to maintain its edge. The Blue Devils are still holding the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, and it’s not particularly close.
Led by four blue-chip prospects - Deron Rippey Jr., Cameron Williams, Bryson Howard, and Maxime Meyer - this class is stacked from top to bottom. According to 247Sports’ composite grading scale, the group has a combined score of 69.16, outpacing every other program in the country.
For context, Michigan State, which holds the No. 2 spot nationally, comes in at 67.31. Arkansas, even with Smith now in the fold, sits at 65.45.
That gap matters. It’s not just a numerical edge - it’s a reflection of the depth and quality Scheyer has assembled.
Rippey brings elite playmaking and court vision. Williams is a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions.
Howard has the kind of two-way upside that NBA scouts drool over. And Meyer, the international standout, adds a unique blend of size and skill that could make him one of the more intriguing freshmen in the country next season.
This marks Scheyer’s third straight top-ranked class - a remarkable feat in today’s ever-changing recruiting landscape. His 2023 class finished second nationally, and since then, he’s only solidified Duke’s place as a premier destination for elite talent. More impressively, he’s done it while navigating the realities of being a one-and-done program.
Last season, Duke lost its entire starting five to the NBA Draft. That kind of roster turnover would cripple most programs.
Instead, Scheyer reloaded and led the Blue Devils to a 22-2 record with a brand-new starting lineup. That’s not just resilience - that’s a blueprint for sustained dominance.
So yes, Smith choosing Arkansas is a win for Calipari and the Razorbacks. But in Durham, there’s no panic, no scramble. Duke’s foundation is as strong as ever, and with another elite group of freshmen on the way, the Blue Devils are positioned to keep their foot on the gas.
The bottom line? Duke didn’t get Jordan Smith Jr., but they didn’t need to. They’re still the team to beat on the recruiting trail - and soon, on the court.