Jordan Smith Jr. just added another major accolade to an already loaded résumé - he's officially a McDonald’s All-American.
The 6-foot-3 guard out of St. Paul VI Catholic in Chantilly, Virginia, was named to the prestigious 2026 McDonald’s All-American Game on Monday, a nod that felt more like a formality than a surprise.
Smith has been on a tear this season and is considered a frontrunner for national player of the year honors. He was named MaxPreps National Junior of the Year last season, and he’s only raised the bar in his senior campaign.
Smith will suit up for the East squad when the game tips off on March 31 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. And for Syracuse fans, this is a name that’s been on the radar for a while.
The Orange offered Smith a scholarship back in May 2023 and have stayed aggressive in his recruitment ever since. He’s visited Syracuse unofficially twice and remains close with assistant coach Brenden Straughn, who’s been a consistent presence at Smith’s games - most recently at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts.
But the competition for Smith is fierce. He’s the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports, and programs like Arkansas and Duke are believed to be the frontrunners right now. Syracuse is still in the mix, though, making Smith’s final six alongside Georgetown, Indiana, and Kentucky.
While Smith’s college destination remains undecided, what’s clear is his impact on the high school scene. He’s the engine behind a powerhouse St.
Paul VI team that’s in the thick of the national title conversation. The Panthers are strong contenders to earn a spot in the 2026 Chipotle Nationals this April in Fishers, Indiana.
Smith’s inclusion in the McDonald’s All-American Game is a testament to his all-around game - elite scoring ability, high-level athleticism, and a mature feel for the game that sets him apart from most guards at this stage. His name has been buzzing in recruiting circles for years, and now he’s cementing himself among the elite.
Joining Smith on the East roster is Deron Rippey Jr., a Duke commit and another former Syracuse target. The West roster includes three more players who once held offers from the Orange: Maximo Adams (North Carolina), Christian Collins (still uncommitted), and Quinn Costello (Michigan). That’s a reminder of just how competitive the recruiting landscape is - and how closely Syracuse has been tracking some of the top-tier talent in this class.
The Orange may be facing uncertainty on the court and within the coaching staff this season, but their pursuit of Smith shows they’re still swinging for the fences when it comes to recruiting. Whether they can land the DMV standout remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Jordan Smith Jr. is a name we’ll be hearing for a long time - and not just in high school circles.