Duke basketball recruiting update on Jordan Smith Jr., other targets for Blue Devils in 2026

Duke basketball has long been synonymous with elite recruiting, and under Jon Scheyer, the program has made it clear that its reputation as a premier destination for the best high school basketball talent remains firmly intact. The post-Coach K era was met with questions about whether Scheyer and his staff could sustain the pipeline of five-star recruits, McDonald’s All-Americans, and future NBA draft lottery picks that has defined the Blue Devils for decades. What has unfolded over the past couple of recruiting cycles, however, has provided an emphatic answer. Duke has not only remained competitive in recruiting but has arguably raised the bar, stockpiling multiple top-10 classes and positioning itself as the program of choice for a new generation of basketball stars. The 2026 recruiting class is still a couple of years away, but attention has already shifted toward that group, and one name at the forefront of those conversations is five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr., a player already generating headlines as one of the most electrifying prospects in the country.

Smith, a consensus top-five player in the 2026 class, has emerged as one of the early focal points of Duke’s recruiting strategy. A dynamic guard with exceptional scoring ability, advanced ball-handling skills, and a knack for taking over games, Smith is the type of player who projects as a future program-changer at the college level. At 6-foot-3, he brings versatility to the backcourt, able to run the offense as a lead guard while also excelling as a natural scorer off the ball. What makes him particularly intriguing to recruiters is his ability to blend old-school fundamentals with a modern flair for creativity, making him a nightmare for defenders at any level. College coaches recognize the combination of elite athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ, and that has naturally put Duke firmly in the mix. Scheyer and his staff have been working diligently to establish a strong relationship with Smith and his circle early in the process, knowing full well that the battle for his commitment will be fierce, with programs like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Kansas also aggressively pursuing him.

For Duke, landing Smith would be about more than just securing another five-star. He represents the type of cornerstone piece that can set the tone for an entire class, much in the way that recent recruits like Cooper Flagg or Jared McCain have become faces of their respective groups. Early commitments from elite prospects often create a ripple effect, attracting other top players to join forces and build a powerhouse recruiting class. Duke’s strategy has long revolved around targeting these kinds of game-changing recruits and surrounding them with complementary talent to form classes that are deep, versatile, and balanced. Smith fits that mold perfectly, and the Blue Devils’ push for him is emblematic of how Scheyer envisions his rosters in the coming years—fast, skilled, and unrelenting.

Beyond Smith, Duke’s 2026 recruiting efforts are beginning to take shape with a number of other key targets emerging on the radar. The Blue Devils have cast a wide net, identifying prospects across multiple positions who could fit into their system. Among the players drawing heavy interest is Caleb Holt, a versatile forward ranked near the top of the 2026 class. Holt has been touted as one of the most complete players in his class, capable of scoring inside and out, rebounding with intensity, and defending multiple positions. His motor and work ethic have stood out to scouts, and his game has been described as tailor-made for the college level. Duke has had success with players of Holt’s archetype in the past, and his ability to do a little bit of everything makes him an attractive option for a staff that values versatility.

Another name to watch is AJ Dybantsa, a player who has already been pegged as one of the best overall prospects in high school basketball regardless of class. Dybantsa, who originally reclassified into the 2025 class but continues to be a key talking point in recruiting circles, has a skill set that could make him the number one player in his class. His combination of size, shooting ability, and athleticism has NBA scouts already paying attention, and it’s no surprise that Duke has made him a priority. While competition for Dybantsa’s commitment will be intense—programs across the country, along with the G League Ignite and other professional pathways, are all expected to make strong pitches—the allure of playing at Duke, in front of national television audiences and under the spotlight of Cameron Indoor Stadium, remains a powerful draw.

The Blue Devils are also monitoring top-tier big men in the 2026 class. Over the past few years, Scheyer has shown a willingness to balance his perimeter-heavy rosters with skilled post players, and that trend appears set to continue. Players like Caleb Wilson, a long, athletic forward with shot-blocking instincts and an emerging offensive game, are firmly on Duke’s radar. Wilson brings the type of size and mobility that fits the modern game, allowing him to guard multiple positions while still anchoring the paint. Securing an elite big man is always a priority for top programs, and Duke understands that to maintain a championship-caliber roster, they will need to keep bringing in high-level frontcourt talent to complement their elite guards and wings.

One of the hallmarks of Duke’s recruiting philosophy under Scheyer has been an emphasis on building strong connections with players early in the process. By prioritizing relationships and ensuring prospects understand the program’s vision, the Blue Devils have been able to establish themselves as frontrunners for many of the best players in the country. This approach is particularly important in the 2026 class, where the competition is only going to get fiercer as more players establish themselves and recruitment intensifies. The college basketball landscape has also been reshaped by the rise of NIL opportunities, transfer portal movement, and professional pathways, making it more critical than ever for programs to differentiate themselves not just with tradition and prestige, but also with concrete opportunities for development, exposure, and future earnings. Duke has embraced this reality, positioning itself as a program that offers both immediate visibility and a proven track record of preparing players for the NBA.

Another key dynamic at play in Duke’s 2026 recruiting efforts is the growing importance of fit and roster construction. The Blue Devils have been successful in targeting players who complement one another rather than simply stockpiling talent without regard for balance. The ability to assemble classes that feature a mix of scorers, facilitators, shooters, defenders, and big men has been a crucial factor in sustaining success. With Jordan Smith Jr. potentially serving as the centerpiece of the 2026 class, the focus will likely shift toward adding players who can enhance his strengths while covering for weaknesses. For example, if Smith is best utilized as a ball-dominant guard, Duke may prioritize adding versatile wings who can space the floor and defend, along with bigs who can provide rim protection and rebounding. This kind of intentionality has been one of the program’s defining traits under Scheyer.

Recruiting is, of course, never a straightforward process, and the 2026 class is still in its early stages. Players will rise and fall in the rankings, commitments will shift, and unexpected storylines will emerge. However, what remains consistent is Duke’s ability to adapt and remain at the forefront of recruiting battles. The combination of a storied brand, unmatched exposure, and a coaching staff deeply invested in player development ensures that the Blue Devils will always be in the mix for elite prospects. The pursuit of Jordan Smith Jr. and other top 2026 recruits is just the latest chapter in that ongoing story, one that has defined Duke basketball for decades.

Looking ahead, the recruiting landscape for 2026 will likely crystallize over the next year as players enter their junior seasons and the evaluation period ramps up. For Duke, the challenge will be to maintain momentum and continue building relationships while also preparing for the realities of roster management in the modern era. With top-tier players like Smith, Holt, Dybantsa, and Wilson on the board, the Blue Devils are in an enviable position, but they also face stiff competition from programs equally determined to land these stars. What gives Duke an edge is not just its tradition, but its ability to sell a vision of immediate impact, player development, and preparation for the NBA that resonates with recruits and their families.

Ultimately, the story of Duke’s 2026 recruiting class is still being written, but the foundation is being laid right now. Jordan Smith Jr. stands at the center of that narrative, a player who could define the class and perhaps even usher in another era of dominance for the Blue Devils. Surrounding him with the right mix of talent will be critical, and the early signs suggest that Scheyer and his staff are well on their way to assembling yet another group capable of carrying Duke to the highest levels of college basketball. For a program that has built its identity on reloading year after year with the best young talent in the country, the pursuit of the 2026 class is more than just business as usual—it is a statement that Duke basketball intends to remain not just relevant, but at the very forefront of the sport for years to come.