Duke’s 2026 Recruiting Wishlist: A Look at the Half‑Dozen Plus Top‑Tier Prospects Scheyer and His Staff Are Chasing

Duke’s 2026 Recruiting Wishlist: A Look at the Half‑Dozen Plus Top‑Tier Prospects Scheyer and His Staff Are Chasing

Duke’s Class of 2026 recruiting trail is already stacking up impressively, featuring seven highly coveted prospects—with even more quietly on the radar—thanks to Jon Scheyer’s aggressive push to build another powerhouse. While details are still unfolding, here’s a comprehensive look at who’s on the Duke wishlist and why each player fits the Blue Devil mold.

First and foremost, Duke wasted no time in extending the opening salvo: Brandon McCoy Jr., a 6-foot-4 point guard hailing from St. John Bosco in California. McCoy is considered the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class and regarded as the top point guard on the 247Sports Composite rankings. He’s already visited Durham on an official trip in early November and brings elite scoring (18.6 PPG as a sophomore), rebounding, and playmaking capabilities. McCoy’s combination of athleticism, court vision, and pedigree puts him at or near the top of Duke’s board.

Also in Los Angeles and part of the St. John Bosco pipeline is Christian Collins, a 6-foot-8 versatile forward. Collins is a five-star recruit, rated No. 5 overall and No. 1 at power forward in his class. He announced his Duke offer shortly after McCoy, showcasing Scheyer’s interest in building around high-upside wing/big combinations. Collins averaged nearly a double-double (13.3 points, 9.7 rebounds) at St. John Bosco last season, and Duke clearly wants to preserve their St. John Bosco link.

On the East Coast, Duke’s first 2026 guard offer went to Jordan Smith Jr., a 6-foot-3 five-star from Paul VI Catholic in Virginia. He ranks No. 8 overall and is the top guard in his class. Duke prioritized him as their initial recruit of the cycle, and he visited campus in November alongside McCoy. The pair reportedly formed a bond during USAB camps, with both envisioning themselves playing together in college—a potential backcourt duo Duke would love to land.

Beyond those three, Duke has cast a wide net. They offered Sebastian Wilkins, a 6-foot-8 forward from Brewster Academy, who checks in at No. 28 overall and leads the pack in New Hampshire. Wilkins is Duke’s fourth officially reported 2026 offer, bringing high-level rebounding, versatility, and national presence to the mix.

The Blue Devils also reached out to Miikka Muurinen, a Finnish standout (6-foot-10) at Arizona Compass Prep, now ranked among the nation’s top 10 in 2026.

Muurinen isn’t reclassifying, and he’s taken an official visit set for late September. His length, versatility, and international pedigree add a compelling dimension to Duke’s recruitment strategy.

On the perimeter, Duke added Kohl Rosario, a 6-foot-5 guard from Moravian Prep (North Carolina). While he started as a three-to-four-star, reports of explosive athleticism—a 42–43-inch vertical—and physical readiness have vaulted him into the conversation. Rosario posted strong numbers both in high school and in Overtime Elite (15.7 PPG, 43% FG, 81% FT), and Duke was among several elite programs to extend an offer in May 2025 .

Outside that half‑dozen core, the Boozer twins—Cameron (6‑9 forward) and Cayden (6‑3 point guard), sons of former NBA star Carlos Boozer—represent a tantalizing duo Duke is reportedly in strong pursuit of. Both are consensus five-star recruits and top contenders for the 2026 NBA Draft; reports indicate they’re choosing between Duke and Miami. Duke can pitch the allure of playing together, plus the pedigree of being heirs to the Blue Devil tradition.

That’s at least seven names, plus the added intrigue of pairing siblings like the Boozers, pushing the wishlist well beyond a half dozen.

What does this tell us about Duke’s board? First, Scheyer is focusing on elite backcourt talent—McCoy and Smith—aiming to replicate the high-scoring, two-way guard play that’s become essential in modern college hoops. Add Rosario as a vertical wing, and that’s three perimeter scorers already.

Secondly, Duke isn’t ignoring size or versatility. Collins, Wilkins, and Muurinen provide length and the ability to switch defensively and space the floor. Muurinen, in particular, brings European-style big man skills at nearly seven feet.

Finally, landing the Boozer twins could dramatically bolster Duke’s roster depth and profile, given their pedigree, court vision, and two-site eligibility (forward and guard).

This aggressive recruiting haul aligns with Duke’s wider strategy. Jon Scheyer has notoriously eyed developing underrated prospects (players like Rosario, Wilkins) alongside blue-chippers—similar to his successful prior classes, built around picks like Ryan Young, Mark Mitchell, and Kyle Filipowski. And according to early betting markets, Duke is already the favorite (+1000 odds via FanDuel, BetRivers, DraftKings) to win the 2026 NCAA Championship—an indication of how high expectations are already set.

The nonconference schedule further highlights this confidence: Duke will face elite programs like Michigan State, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas and Michigan before ACC play begins . The plan seems clear: build a star-studded roster and prove its worth early.

With potential for a McCoy–Smith backcourt, several interchangeable wings, and a versatile big frontcourt, Duke could custom-design a top-tier outfit for 2026.

Looking ahead, the name to keep an eye on is Miikka Muurinen. His official visit setup for late September could mark a turning point if Scheyer secures his commitment. Similarly, the Boozer twins are key: landing one would be a boon, but recruiting both gives unprecedented ceiling.

Why would prospects pick Duke? Beyond tradition and development records, Scheyer’s early nonconference gauntlet shows high-level trust in his recruits. Players like McCoy and Smith can expect national exposure and elite competition from day one—an irresistible draw for NBA dreams and national prestige.

Every elite program chases similar players—Kentucky, Kansas, UNC, Arizona, UCLA all factor in various rankings—but Duke’s ability to extend early offers and host high-profile visits gives them a compelling edge.

In the next 12 months, the fate of this class will hinge on key visits and pitch moments. Will McCoy and Smith stay? Can Duke close on Collins and Wilkins? Will international prospect Muurinen and under‑the‑radar Rosario choose Duke over other finalists? And finally, can the Boozer twins be convinced to stay together under Krzyzewski’s successor?

Regardless, Duke’s wishlist already reads like a blueprint for a national championship contender: star power, versatility, and ceiling abound. What remains is delivery—and Scheyer’s ability to vault off this elite foundation in announcing 2026’s signings.

Stay tuned throughout the summer and fall: October–November official visits will give fans early clues. If Duke locks in even half this list, expect national-title conversation to heat up long before the 2026 season tips off.