Jordan Smith Jr. Set to Announce Commitment: Indiana Still in the Mix-But Just Barely
One of the biggest names still on the board in the 2026 recruiting class is about to make his decision. Jordan Smith Jr., a dynamic five-star combo guard out of Fairfax, Virginia, is set to announce his college commitment on Friday, February 13. And while Indiana is technically still in the running, the odds aren't exactly in their favor.
Smith is down to six finalists: Arkansas, Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky, and Syracuse. According to multiple recruiting analysts, Arkansas has emerged as the clear frontrunner.
The Razorbacks have received four crystal ball predictions from 247Sports, and they’ve been consistently linked to Smith throughout the recruiting cycle. Simply put, if Smith ends up anywhere other than Fayetteville, it’ll be a shocker.
But let’s not gloss over the bigger picture here-Smith’s decision isn’t just about one player choosing a school. It’s a domino that could shift the recruiting landscape.
He’s the No. 1 combo guard in the country, the top-ranked player in Virginia, and sits at No. 3 overall in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite. Wherever he lands, he’s going to be a program-changer.
So, Where Does Indiana Fit Into All This?
Let’s be honest: the Hoosiers are a long shot. They didn’t get an official visit from Smith, and in the high-stakes world of elite recruiting, that usually tells you all you need to know. Still, the fact that Indiana is even one of the final six says something about the momentum Darian DeVries is building in Bloomington.
This isn’t just about chasing long shots-it’s about perception, reputation, and progress. DeVries is starting to earn serious respect within coaching circles and on the recruiting trail. And while Indiana likely won’t land Smith, their presence in this conversation is a signal that they’re on the rise.
Consider this: Smith took official visits to Arkansas, Duke, Kentucky, and Louisville. Louisville didn’t even make the final cut.
Indiana did. That might not mean much in terms of landing the five-star guard, but it does show that DeVries and his staff are making enough noise to stay relevant in top-tier recruiting battles.
The Rest of the Field
After Arkansas, Duke appears to be the next most likely destination. The Blue Devils have the brand, the pedigree, and the exposure that top recruits crave.
Georgetown and Syracuse are also in the mix, with the Hoyas perhaps carrying a bit more weight given Smith’s D.C.-area roots. Kentucky, surprisingly, seems to be on the outside looking in despite hosting Smith on a visit.
As for Indiana, they’re probably sitting in that fifth spot-above Kentucky, but behind the more serious contenders. Again, not an ideal position, but not insignificant either.
What This Means for Indiana Moving Forward
Even if Smith picks Arkansas-as most expect-Indiana fans should keep their eyes on the bigger picture. DeVries has already shown he can make waves in the transfer portal, with players like Lamar Wilkerson making an impact. Now, he’s starting to elbow his way into conversations for elite high school talent too.
Landing a five-star like Smith would’ve been a massive statement. But just being in the room, especially without an official visit, speaks to the growing credibility of the Hoosiers’ program under DeVries. That’s something to build on.
Smith’s commitment will send ripples across the college basketball world. And while Indiana might not catch this particular wave, they’re clearly paddling in the right direction.