Five-star prospect Jordan Smith Jr., a 6-foot-2 combo guard out of Paul VI Catholic (Fairfax, VA), has committed to the University of Arkansas. Smith, who’s ranked No. 3 in the class of 2026 (per the 247Sports Composite), made the announcement on Friday prior to his senior night.
Smith chose the Razorbacks out of a final six that included Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky and Syracuse. He is the third five-star to commit to Arkansas, joining 6-foot-6 forward JJ Andrews (No. 16 on the 247Sports Composite) and 6-foot-5 wing Abdou Toure (No. 22). That trio gives coach John Calipari plenty of firepower to work with next season.
As the leader of a loaded Team Takeover on this year’s Nike EYBL Circuit, Smith averaged 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.4 steals. He is a high-flying, explosive athlete who impacts the game in a variety of ways. With his unique combination of speed, strength and physicality, he excels on the defensive end and out-rebounds much bigger players. While his three-point shot was once considered a major weakness, Hoops HQ’s recruiting correspondent Sam Kayser reported from the Hoophall Classic in January that it is developing into one of Smith’s strengths. He also puts tremendous pressure on the rim and has a solid midrange pull-up.
“I really like to get after it on defense. I take pride in that,” Smith told Hoops HQ at an EYBL event in May. “I like to get out on fastbreaks and get to my pull-up.” He added that he often studies NBA guards Anthony Edwards, Jrue Holiday and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Duke was considered the early frontrunner to land Smith — two of his former high school teammates, Patrick Ngonbga II and Darren Harris, are currently on the team — but the momentum shifted to Arkansas over the past several months. As Kayser wrote, the Blue Devils’ pursuit of another five-star guard, Deron Rippey Jr. out of Blair Academy, may have been a factor. Rippey committed to Duke in late December.
Smith took official visits to Arkansas, Duke and Kentucky, and un-officials to Syracuse and Georgetown. During the summer, he shared the major factors weighing into his decision. “Play style and how the coaches treat their players,” he told Hoops HQ. “If it’s fun there — because I have to be there for a year, so I want to make sure I’m having the most fun that I can. And just if it’s going to be the best fit for me to be able to get to the NBA.”
Asked specifically what he liked about Arkansas, Smith said, “I like how Calipari develops his guards and gets them to where they want to be.”
Smith is projected to be a lottery pick in 2027, but he will give Arkansas fans plenty to cheer about during his sole season in Fayetteville.
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