Duke basketball’s 2026 recruiting class is already shaping up to be one of the most impressive in the country - and Jon Scheyer and his staff aren’t slowing down anytime soon. With two 5-star commitments already in the fold, the Blue Devils currently hold the No. 5 overall class in the 247Sports rankings. But make no mistake, they’re still hunting elite talent - and two 5-star guards remain firmly in their sights.
One of those targets, Jordan Smith Jr., just reminded everyone why he’s one of the most coveted players in the nation.
Smith, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound combo guard from Paul VI Catholic (VA), led his team to a championship at the prestigious GEICO City of Palms Classic - and was named MVP in the process. Ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the 2026 class, the top combo guard, and the No. 1 player out of Virginia, Smith didn’t just put on a show with his play. His postgame comments revealed the kind of mindset that fits right into what Duke basketball is all about.
“All the guys behind me, it was a team effort,” Smith told ESPN after the win. “I couldn’t have done it without all these guys. So just to have them by my side at all times is just a blessing.”
That’s not just a soundbite - that’s the kind of leadership and humility that makes coaches and teammates take notice. Smith doubled down on the team-first message, crediting his teammates for pushing him to be better every day.
“They just push me every day. They make me a better man, a better player,” he said.
“This is the best support group I could have, the best teammates I could have. The best brothers that I could ever wish for.”
It’s no surprise that Duke is heavily invested in Smith’s recruitment. He’s not just a high-level scorer and playmaker - he’s a culture fit.
The Blue Devils have long prioritized players who buy into the team concept, who play with poise and maturity beyond their years. Smith checks every one of those boxes.
After visiting Durham for Duke’s annual Countdown to Craziness event, Smith picked up a crystal ball prediction in favor of the Blue Devils. And for a while, it’s felt like Duke has been in the driver’s seat.
But recruiting is never a straight line, and now there’s a new contender in the mix - Arkansas. The Razorbacks have started to make a serious push, and while Duke still appears to be the frontrunner, the race isn’t over yet.
As for when a decision might come? That’s still up in the air for Smith.
But another major Duke target, fellow 5-star guard Deron Rippey Jr., is set to announce his commitment on December 30. He’s choosing between Duke, Miami, NC State, Tennessee, and Texas - and his decision could have ripple effects across the 2026 recruiting landscape.
For now, though, all eyes are on Jordan Smith Jr. - a player who just proved on one of high school basketball’s biggest stages that he’s not only one of the best in the country, but also the kind of leader who could thrive in Duke blue.