Duke Basketball Leading the Race for Coveted Five-Star Recruit

Duke in the Driver’s Seat for Elite 5-Star Guard Jordan Smith Jr.

The race for 2026 five-star phenom Jordan Smith Jr. is heating up — and it looks like Duke basketball may be out front early.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound guard from Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia already has a strong connection to the Blue Devils. Not only did he visit Durham last November — alongside fellow 2026 star Brandon McCoy Jr. — but he also comes from a program that has produced four Duke players in just the past few years.

Since receiving an offer from Jon Scheyer and his staff back in July, Smith Jr. has consistently listed Duke among the schools recruiting him the hardest. And that list isn’t short — Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, and Syracuse are also pressing hard for his commitment.

“I’m going to start asking coaches when it’s a good time to come back for officials,” Smith told 247Sports’ Dushawn London this week, signaling that he’s just warming up his recruitment process.

Though Kentucky has the edge in terms of effort — being the only staff so far to land an in-home visit — don’t sleep on Duke. Their early interest and consistent communication could pay off big, especially with Smith’s clear comfort level with the program.

Ranked No. 4 nationally, No. 1 among shooting guards, and No. 1 in Virginia by 247Sports, Jordan Smith Jr. is a top-tier name to watch in the 2026 class — and Duke is wasting no time making their move.

Stay tuned. This recruiting battle is just getting started.