Jordan Smith Jr. Is Making His Case as the Top Prospect in 2026 - and He’s Not Quiet About It
If you’ve been following the City of Palms Classic this week, you’ve probably heard the name Jordan Smith Jr. more than a few times - and for good reason. The 6-foot-3 five-star shooting guard is playing like a man on a mission, and that mission might just be to leave no doubt that he’s the best player in the country, regardless of what the rankings say.
Smith, currently slotted as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite, has been putting on a show for St. Paul VI Catholic (Chantilly, Va.) down in Fort Myers, Florida. And on Tuesday night, he’ll have another chance to light up the national stage, when his squad meets Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) in the championship game of the prestigious City of Palms Classic - airing live on ESPN2.
This isn’t just a title game. It’s a rematch.
Earlier this month, St. Paul VI took down Stepinac, 66-56, in a game that aired on ESPNU.
In that one, Smith dropped 26 points, dished out six assists, grabbed three boards, and swiped three steals - all while controlling the tempo and showing off the kind of two-way presence that separates elite high school guards from the rest of the pack.
Now, with a trophy on the line and national eyes watching, Smith has a chance to do it all over again - and maybe even better.
Dominating the City of Palms
Smith hasn’t just been good in Fort Myers - he’s been dominant. Through the first two rounds of the tournament, he’s looked every bit like the No. 1 player in the class. Let’s take a closer look at what he’s done so far:
December 18 vs. Garfield Heights (OH):
Smith torched the defense for 40 points in just 23 minutes of action. He shot a blistering 16-of-25 from the field and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line.
Add in five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, and you’ve got a stat line that screams “top prospect.” St.
Paul VI rolled to a 93-60 win.
December 19 vs. Calvary Christian (FL):
Smith followed up his explosive opener with a more measured - but still highly efficient - performance. He tallied 20 points in 27 minutes, going 7-of-13 from the floor, hitting his lone three-point attempt, and knocking down 5-of-7 from the stripe.
He also added two rebounds, three assists, and a steal as St. Paul VI secured a 71-54 victory.
It’s not just the numbers, though. It’s the way Smith is getting them.
He’s scoring from all three levels, defending with intensity, and making plays for his teammates. He’s showing poise, polish, and the kind of leadership that college coaches dream about.
A Recruitment Heating Up
Smith’s recruitment is already in full swing, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the 2026 cycle. He’s down to a final six schools: Syracuse, Duke, Arkansas, Georgetown, Kentucky, and Indiana. Syracuse has been in the mix for a while - Smith’s already taken two unofficial visits to the Orange - and they’re clearly making him a priority.
Wherever he ends up, one thing’s clear: Smith is the kind of player who can change the trajectory of a program. He’s got the scoring chops to lead an offense, the defensive instincts to anchor a backcourt, and the charisma to be the face of a team.
Eyes on Tuesday Night
When the lights come on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET, and the City of Palms Classic title is on the line, all eyes will be on Jordan Smith Jr. And if the past few games are any indication, he’s not just ready for the spotlight - he thrives in it.
Whether he’s officially ranked No. 1 or not, Smith is playing like the best high school basketball player in America. And on one of the biggest stages of the high school season, he’s got another chance to prove it.