Duke Basketball Recruiting Bombshell: Top 2026 Prospects Jordan Smith Jr. and Brandon McCoy Eye Package Deal to Blue Devils…Read More…..

Duke Basketball Recruiting Bombshell: Top 2026 Prospects Jordan Smith Jr. and Brandon McCoy Eye Package Deal to Blue Devils…Read More…..

Durham — In a potential game‑changing move on the 2026 recruiting trail, the Duke Blue Devils are quietly exploring the possibility of landing a “package‑deal” backcourt commitment from two of the nation’s top high‑school prospects: Jordan Smith Jr. and Brandon McCoy Jr.. If both signees come through, it could add serious firepower to Duke’s guard rotation for the foreseeable future.

Both Smith Jr. and McCoy carry five‑star pedigrees and boast high national rankings in the 2026 class. Smith Jr., a 6-foot-2 shooting guard from Paul VI Catholic (Virginia), is widely considered the top combo guard in the 2026 cycle and is among the very elite overall players in the class. Meanwhile, McCoy Jr., a 6-foot‑4 / 6-foot‑5 guard from St. John Bosco (California), has long held a top‑5 national spot.

According to those familiar with the recruitment, it isn’t just coincidence that both names are rising in tandem — Smith and McCoy are reportedly close, and there’s real interest among them in joining Duke together as a backcourt duo.

For Coach Jon Scheyer and the Duke recruiting staff, the logic behind the package‑deal push is simple: landing two five‑star guards at once would drastically upgrade the program’s perimeter depth and provide elite floor spacing, ball‑handling, and scoring for years. Duke, long known for recruiting top classes, would reinforce that tradition — and potentially regain a backcourt identity predicated on versatility, athleticism, and high‑octane offense.

Recent developments suggest the momentum may indeed be picking up. Smith Jr. has already visited Duke’s campus — twice — including once during the Fall 2025 “Countdown to Craziness” event. Meanwhile, McCoy remains open to multiple suitors, but Duke has maintained a steady relationship and pushed to stay among his top options.

That said, it won’t be a sure thing until either or both players pull the trigger. McCoy, in particular, has become somewhat of a free agent in the national discussion — analysts note that schools such as Michigan Wolverines, Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas Razorbacks, and USC Trojans are showing strong interest. In McCoy’s own words, “Nobody is over anybody right now.”

On the flip side, Smith Jr. appears more inclined toward Duke — his final six schools have included the Blue Devils, and the early signs show Duke leading the pack.

What a successful double signing would mean for Duke: unmatched guard strength in the 2026‑27 season, a college backcourt loaded with athleticism and playmaking, and the kind of star‑filled momentum that echoes Duke’s greatest recruiting hauls. For a program aiming to reclaim national title contention, the Smith–McCoy package could be just the shot in the arm it needs.

Still, as of December 2025, nothing is signed, sealed, or delivered. The recruiting trail remains fluid, and for fans and insiders alike, the coming months will be critical — watch for campus visits, conversations, and that final commitment. If the package comes, it won’t just be a double pickup. It could be a statement.