Duke basketball is once again at a crossroads, but it’s the kind of crossroads most programs dream of. As the Blue Devils prepare to launch into the 2025-26 season, Jon Scheyer faces both a challenge and an opportunity: how to rebuild a roster that just sent five starters to the NBA Draft, while keeping Duke firmly entrenched in national title conversations.
The exodus from last year’s Final Four squad was massive. Duke lost every starter, including Cooper Flagg, the freshman phenom who fulfilled expectations by becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Joining him in the lottery were multiple teammates, cementing that group as one of the most talent-rich rosters in program history.
Still, this is Duke. Reloading is part of the culture, and Scheyer has already proven he can do it. The Blue Devils return important rotational pieces such as Caleb Foster, Maliq Brown, Darren Harris, and Isaiah Evans, all of whom are poised to take on bigger roles. More importantly, Duke welcomes the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class for the second straight year, headlined by Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the twin sons of Duke legend Carlos Boozer. That infusion of young talent ensures Duke will remain dangerous in the post-Flagg era.
But recruiting never stops, and the attention is already shifting to the 2026 cycle. Scheyer and his staff have yet to land a commitment, but the Blue Devils are firmly in the mix for some of the nation’s premier prospects. With multiple visits scheduled this fall, the stage is set for another high-profile haul.
Here’s an in-depth look at Duke’s top 2026 recruiting targets:
Jordan Smith Jr. – The Headliner
When you talk about the future of Duke basketball recruiting, the conversation starts with Jordan Smith Jr. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound combo guard from Fairfax, Virginia, is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic players in the class. Ranked No. 3 nationally by the 247Sports Composite, Smith is the top-rated player in Virginia and has already drawn comparisons to some of the most explosive backcourt talents in recent years.
Earlier this month, Smith revealed his top six schools: Duke, Arkansas, Georgetown, Kentucky, Indiana, and Syracuse. The Blue Devils are not just on that list; they are actively positioning themselves as a favorite. Smith has locked in an official visit to Durham for November 11, which could be a pivotal moment in his recruitment. Before then, he’ll stop at Arkansas (Sept. 19) and Kentucky (Oct. 10), two other powerhouses vying for his commitment.
For Duke, landing Smith would mean securing a backcourt cornerstone to build around for the 2026-27 season. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with a strong defensive motor, makes him the type of guard who thrives in Duke’s system. With NBA potential already evident, Smith is the kind of prospect who can carry the weight of expectations in Cameron Indoor.
Brandon McCoy – A Familiar Target
While Smith might be the flashiest name, Brandon McCoy is every bit as important to Duke’s recruiting plans. The 6-foot-4 combo guard from St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California) has been on Duke’s radar for more than a year, and the mutual interest remains strong.
Ranked No. 4 nationally, McCoy is known for his versatility, scoring ability, and basketball IQ. He’s the No. 2 combo guard in the class and the top-ranked guard in California. McCoy already holds a staggering 21 offers, including those from Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Rutgers. He also visited Duke last November, which gave the staff an early chance to make an impression.
McCoy’s recruitment is far from over, but his longstanding connection to Duke gives the Blue Devils a real shot at landing him. In a cycle loaded with talented guards, pairing Smith and McCoy together would give Duke perhaps the strongest backcourt duo in the 2026 class.
Deron Rippey Jr. – The Point Guard
Duke’s guard-heavy recruiting board also features Deron Rippey Jr., a five-star point guard out of Blairstown, New Jersey. At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Rippey is a pure floor general with quickness, vision, and scoring touch.
The No. 17 overall prospect nationally and the No. 2 point guard in the 2026 cycle, Rippey announced his top 12 schools earlier this year, and Duke was among the programs to make the cut. He’s scheduled to visit Durham on October 21, giving Scheyer and his staff a valuable opportunity to sell him on being the next in a long line of elite Duke point guards.
With his playmaking ability and leadership, Rippey would bring a different dimension to the class, balancing out the scoring punch of Smith and McCoy.
Cameron Williams – Frontcourt Size and Skill
Of course, Duke can’t recruit guards alone. Enter Cameron Williams, one of the most sought-after big men in the 2026 class. Standing 6-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Williams combines length and mobility with strong defensive instincts, making him the type of big man NBA scouts already covet.
The Arizona native is ranked No. 10 nationally and is considered the No. 2 power forward in the class. He’s scheduled to visit Duke on October 3, but the competition will be fierce. Williams also has official visits lined up with USC (Oct. 11), Arizona (Oct. 17), and North Carolina (Nov. 7). With 13 total offers, his recruitment will be one of the most hotly contested battles in the 2026 cycle.
For Duke, securing Williams would mean adding frontcourt depth and preserving the program’s tradition of producing dominant big men—from Elton Brand to Zion Williamson to Dereck Lively II.
Maximo Adams – A Rising Wing
Finally, there’s Maximo Adams, a four-star small forward from California who might not have the same national buzz as some of the five-stars, but is nonetheless a highly intriguing prospect. At 6-foot-7 and 205 pounds, Adams has the size and skill set to thrive on the wing.
Ranked No. 99 nationally, Adams is the No. 9 prospect in California. He picked up a Duke offer in late July and will visit Durham on November 8. His visit tour is a busy one, including Michigan State (Sept. 11), Kansas (Sept. 19), Texas (Sept. 27), and North Carolina (Oct. 31).
If Duke can secure Adams, it would provide balance to a guard-heavy recruiting class while adding a wing with high-upside potential.
The Big Picture
Jon Scheyer has already made history by landing back-to-back No. 1 recruiting classes, something even Coach K never achieved in his tenure. With the 2026 cycle shaping up, Scheyer is once again in position to deliver a class that could define Duke’s future.
The Blue Devils are in strong standing with Jordan Smith Jr., Brandon McCoy, Deron Rippey Jr., Cameron Williams, and Maximo Adams—a group that could form one of the deepest and most talented classes in the nation.
If Scheyer can close the deal on just two or three of these prospects, Duke will remain at the forefront of college basketball’s elite. But if he pulls off another sweep and secures multiple five-stars? The conversation may quickly shift to whether Duke can build the next dynasty in the post-Coach K era.
One thing is clear: with visits piling up and interest mutual, all eyes will be on Durham this fall. The future of Duke basketball could take shape before the first tip-off of the 2025-26 season.
