Top-Ranked PG Deron Rippey Jr. Set to Announce College Decision: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest names in high school hoops is about to make his next move. Deron Rippey Jr., the No. 1-ranked point guard in the class of 2026 and the No. 12 overall prospect nationally (per the 247Sports Composite), is set to announce his college commitment on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 4 p.m.
ET. The announcement will take place in Brooklyn, New York, and will be streamed live on the CBS Sports College Basketball YouTube channel.
At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Rippey Jr. is a dynamic floor general with a polished offensive game and elite quickness. He currently plays for Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, under head coach Joe Mantegna, and he’s been on the radar of top programs across the country thanks to his ability to control tempo, create for teammates, and score at all three levels.
Rippey Jr. has narrowed his decision down to five schools: Duke, NC State, Miami, Tennessee, and Texas. Each of these programs has hosted him on campus for official visits over the past few months - starting with Miami on August 27, followed by Texas on September 19, Duke on October 21, Tennessee on October 25, and NC State on November 7.
There’s a lot riding on Rippey Jr.’s decision, especially for a program like Duke, which is looking to keep stacking elite talent in its 2026 class. If Rippey Jr. chooses the Blue Devils, he would join an already loaded group that includes five-star forwards Bryson Howard and Cameron Williams, as well as four-star center Maxime Meyer. That kind of core would give head coach Jon Scheyer a strong foundation to build around heading into the future.
While nothing is official until Rippey Jr. makes his announcement, there’s already plenty of buzz surrounding where he might land. According to 247Sports’ recruiting analyst Chad Lykins, the current crystal ball prediction favors Duke - but as we’ve seen time and time again, recruiting decisions can turn quickly, especially with five high-profile programs in the mix.
No matter where he ends up, Rippey Jr. is poised to be a program-changer. His blend of speed, vision, and scoring instincts makes him a plug-and-play point guard at the next level. Tuesday’s announcement will be a major domino in the 2026 recruiting cycle - and a moment that could shift the trajectory of one lucky program.
How to Watch Deron Rippey Jr.’s Commitment
- 📍 Location: Brooklyn, New York
- 🕓 Time: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. ET
- 📺 Stream: CBS Sports College Basketball YouTube Channel
Get your popcorn ready - this is one decision that could send ripples across the college basketball landscape.