The race for the nation’s top point guard is officially entering its final stretch — and Duke is right in the thick of it. Deron Rippey Jr., the electric 6-foot-2 floor general from Blairstown, New Jersey, has trimmed his recruitment down to a final five: Tennessee, NC State, Duke, Miami, and Texas. For Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils, the message is clear — four formidable challengers stand between them and one of the most coveted recruits in the Class of 2026.
Rippey, ranked the No. 1 point guard in the 2026 class by 247Sports, has been on a lengthy, meticulous recruiting journey. Delays in official visits slowed the pace at times, but now, with all visits behind him and decision time drawing near, the finish line is in sight. And Duke is locked in, knowing the margin for victory is razor thin.
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A COMPETITIVE ROAD FOR DUKE
Duke’s involvement with Rippey has been persistent and deliberate. Jon Scheyer and his staff recognized early that Rippey’s explosive first step, elite court vision, and leadership instincts made him a perfect fit for the program’s modern, guard-driven identity. But Duke isn’t alone — far from it. Four other programs have built convincing cases to land the dynamic point guard.
Below is a look at the four teams Duke must beat if it hopes to secure Rippey’s commitment.
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Tennessee has emerged as one of the most serious threats in Rippey’s recruitment. Rick Barnes and his staff have built a reputation for developing tough, physical, two-way guards — a style of play that fits Rippey’s competitive nature. The Volunteers have been consistent in their messaging: Rippey could be the next great Tennessee floor general.
What makes Tennessee especially dangerous in this battle is their recent success transitioning guards to high-impact roles early. The environment in Knoxville is known for producing disciplined, confident guards who thrive under pressure. Rippey has taken notice, and Tennessee has positioned itself as a major contender.
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NC STATE WOLFPACK
The Wolfpack have been one of the most aggressive programs in Rippey’s recruitment from the beginning, and Kevin Keatts has made it clear that Rippey is a priority. NC State offers a system that allows guards tremendous offensive freedom, and the staff has emphasized that Rippey could step in and lead right away.
With the Wolfpack fresh off strong momentum from recent seasons and energized recruiting efforts, the appeal here is obvious: Rippey would be the centerpiece, the engine, the face of the backcourt. For a player who prides himself on playmaking and tempo control, NC State’s style is a compelling fit.
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MIAMI HURRICANES
Miami is no stranger to landing elite guards or competing with blue-blood programs for top recruits. Jim Larrañaga’s guard-friendly system has produced dynamic, high-scoring backcourts for years, and the Hurricanes have pitched Rippey on becoming the next star in that lineage.
Miami’s NIL structure, player-development track record, and fast-paced offense give them unique advantages. Rippey’s visit to Coral Gables left a strong impression — the environment, the culture, and the opportunity to be a program-altering point guard all resonate with him.
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TEXAS LONGHORNS
Rippey’s recruitment wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Texas, the fifth and final team in his Top 5. The Longhorns have built a modern, NBA-style guard system that emphasizes spacing, pace, and creativity — qualities that align extremely well with Rippey’s natural strengths.
The Texas pitch centers on professional development. Austin has become a hub for NBA-minded prospects, and the Longhorns have shown a willingness to hand the keys to elite guards early. With resources, coaching pedigree, and a rapidly growing national profile, Texas is firmly in the fight to the end.
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THE BLUE DEVILS’ POSITION
For Duke, the selling points are powerful and familiar: a storied program, national visibility, a track record of producing NBA guards, and a system built around high-IQ decision-making. Under Scheyer, the Blue Devils have emphasized dynamic, versatile backcourts — and Rippey fits that vision perfectly.
The Blue Devils have made it clear how highly they value him. Their pitch focuses on how Rippey could thrive as the lead guard in Durham, surrounded by elite talent, embraced by an NBA-style developmental staff, and showcased on the biggest stage in college basketball.
The question now is whether Duke’s longstanding prestige and their strong recruitment will be enough to outlast the pressure from four hungry programs pushing with equal passion.
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THE FINAL STRETCH
Rippey is closer than ever to announcing his decision. His visits are complete. His evaluations are thorough. His circle is narrowing its focus, and the countdown has begun. Tennessee, NC State, Miami, and Texas each present compelling, competitive, and convincing cases — but Duke remains firmly in the chase, well within striking distance.
This recruitment has always been intense, but now it feels urgent. Whoever lands Deron Rippey Jr. will secure not only the best point guard in the Class of 2026, but a player capable of transforming an entire offense from the moment he steps on campus.
For Duke, the mission is simple: beat four elite programs — and bring the nation’s top point guard to Durham.
