BIG NEWS: Duke Lands Five-Star Point Guard Deron Rippey Jr., Claims No. 1 Spot in 2026 Recruiting Rankings
Durham, NC – January 5, 2026
In a massive recruiting coup that has solidified Duke’s dominance on the trail, five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. committed to the Blue Devils, vaulting Jon Scheyer’s 2026 class to the undisputed No. 1 ranking nationally, according to 247Sports Composite team rankings.
Rippey, the nation’s top-ranked point guard and a consensus top-15 prospect, announced his decision in late December, choosing Duke over finalists NC State, Miami, Tennessee, and Texas. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound dynamo from Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, brings elite athleticism, lockdown defense, and playmaking prowess to a class already loaded with talent.
“This seals it – Duke has the best class in 2026,” said one national recruiting analyst. “Rippey’s commitment pushes them ahead of Michigan State, Kansas, and everyone else. Scheyer is building a monster.”
Rippey joins an elite quartet that includes:
Cameron Williams, five-star power forward (No. 3 overall, No. 1 PF) from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona – a versatile 6-11 big man with rim protection and scoring touch.
Bryson Howard, five-star small forward (top-20 nationally) from Heritage High School in Frisco, Texas – son of former NBA player Josh Howard, known for his shooting and competitive fire.
Maxime Meyer, four-star center (top-100) from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida – a 7-foot-1 Canadian with elite rim protection, passing instincts, and rapidly improving mobility.
With three five-stars and a high-upside big, Duke’s class jumped from No. 5 to No. 1 overnight upon Rippey’s pledge, per 247Sports. ESPN and On3 also rank the Blue Devils atop their boards, marking what could be Scheyer’s third straight No. 1 class if it holds.
Scheyer, in his fourth season succeeding the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, has made recruiting his hallmark. After landing back-to-back top-ranked groups in 2024 and 2025 – featuring stars like Cooper Flagg and the Boozer twins – this 2026 haul continues the tradition of elite talent flowing to Durham.
Rippey’s recruitment was a battle among blue-bloods. He took officials to all finalists, but his October visit to Duke – where he watched the Blue Devils in action – proved pivotal. “The energy at Cameron Indoor is unmatched,” Rippey said in his announcement. “Coach Scheyer’s vision for me as a leader and winner sealed it. I want banners.”
Analysts rave about Rippey’s fit. A menacing on-ball defender with explosive athleticism, he projects as an immediate impact guard in Duke’s up-tempo system. “He’s a culture changer,” one scout noted. “Elite intangibles, attacks relentlessly, and guards the best opponent. Paired with this frontcourt, it’s scary.”
Williams, the class’s cornerstone, committed in November over Arizona and Texas. The No. 1 power forward boasts a 7-foot wingspan, soft touch, and switchable defense. Howard, pledging in October, adds perimeter shooting and versatility. Meyer, a late bloomer from Canada, brings size and IQ as a rim protector who can run the floor.
Together, they form a balanced group: a dynamic point guard, scoring wings, and imposing frontcourt depth. “This class has championship DNA,” Scheyer said in a statement. “These young men embody what Duke basketball is about – competitiveness, character, and winning.”
Reaction across college basketball was swift. Rival coaches congratulated publicly while privately lamenting the loss. Michigan State, previously No. 1, drops to second. Kansas, Maryland, and Purdue round out the top five.
Duke fans flooded social media with excitement, trending “Brotherhood” nationwide. Cameron Crazies are already dreaming of this group’s debut in 2026-27, potentially alongside holdovers and transfers.
Scheyer isn’t done. The Blue Devils remain in the mix for uncommitted five-stars like Jordan Smith Jr. (top-10 guard) and others, which could further widen the gap.
For now, Duke sits atop the recruiting world – again. In an era of transfers and NIL chaos, Scheyer’s emphasis on high school stars and development has the Blue Devils poised for another golden age.
As Rippey put it: “I’m coming to win titles. Let’s go Duke!”
This commitment not only claims the No. 1 spot but signals Duke’s recruiting machine is firing on all cylinders. College basketball’s blue blood is back – and taller, faster, and more talented than ever.
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