# No. 1 Shooting Guard Prospect Jordan Smith Commits to North Carolina
**By Paul Biancardi, ESPN Recruiting Insider**
**January 2, 2026**
In a massive recruiting win for Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels, **Jordan Smith**, the No. 1 ranked shooting guard in the class of 2026 according to ESPN’s rankings, announced his commitment to UNC on Thursday evening. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound standout from Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia, chose the Tar Heels over a final list that included Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Smith, rated as a five-star prospect and the No. 5 overall player in the 2026 class, posted a simple message on social media with a photo of himself in Carolina blue: “Committed. #GoHeels.”
This commitment represents more than just adding the top shooting guard in the country to North Carolina’s recruiting haul—it signals a resounding statement about the direction of the program under Davis, who has now landed multiple elite perimeter talents in recent cycles. In an era where blue-blood programs compete fiercely for every top-10 recruit, pulling Smith out of the DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) area—long a battleground dominated by Duke and others—is a coup that boosts UNC’s momentum heading into the heart of the 2026 cycle.
### Why Smith Chose North Carolina
Sources close to the recruitment told ESPN that Smith’s decision came down to fit, development, and legacy. North Carolina’s track record of producing NBA guards—think Coby White, Cole Anthony, and more recently, prospects like Ian Jackson who have thrived in Chapel Hill—resonated deeply with the explosive scorer.
“Coach Davis and his staff showed me a clear path to being a pro,” Smith said in an exclusive interview with ESPN shortly after his announcement. “They develop guards who can score at all three levels, play in big moments, and win championships. Carolina’s history speaks for itself, and I want to be the next one to carry that tradition.”
Smith’s game is tailor-made for the modern college and pro levels. He’s an elite shot-maker with deep range, pulling up off the dribble or spotting up with equal ease. On the EYBL circuit last summer, he led the circuit in scoring efficiency among guards, averaging nearly 20 points while shooting over 40% from 3-point range on high volume. His competitiveness stands out: He attacks the rim fearlessly, draws fouls at an elite rate, and impacts winning on defense with quick hands and relentless energy.
Scouts compare his intensity to former Virginia star and NBA veteran Victor Oladipo, another DMV product who built his game on toughness and skill refinement. Smith’s ability to create his own shot in isolation, combined with his improving playmaking (he averaged over 4 assists per game in high school showcases), makes him a projected lottery pick in the 2029 NBA draft as a one-and-done candidate.
### Impact on UNC’s 2026 Class
Smith joins four-star forward Maximo Adams as the second commitment in North Carolina’s 2026 class, instantly vaulting the Tar Heels into the top 5 of ESPN’s team recruiting rankings for the cycle. Adams, a versatile 6-7 wing from Sierra Canyon, brings rebounding and multi-positional defense, creating a dynamic tandem with Smith’s scoring prowess.
The duo addresses immediate needs for UNC, which is undergoing a roster refresh following departures to the transfer portal and NBA. With guards like Elliot Cadeau and others moving on after the 2024-25 season, perimeter scoring and creation were priorities. Smith fills that void spectacularly.
“Jordan is the best guard in the class because he wins games,” one ACC assistant coach told ESPN. “He doesn’t just score—he elevates everyone around him. Pairing him with Adams gives Carolina two high-IQ winners who can grow together.”
North Carolina remains in the mix for several other top targets in 2026, including five-star point guard Dylan Mingo and Finnish power forward Miikka Muurinen. Landing Smith could create a snowball effect, as elite prospects often want to play alongside the best.
### Broader Implications for the Program
This commitment represents more than just adding a talented player—it’s a reaffirmation of North Carolina’s status as a premier destination for guards. Under Roy Williams and now Davis, the Tar Heels have consistently attracted and developed backcourt stars. Smith’s pledge continues that lineage and provides a recruiting blueprint for future cycles.
In a class loaded with perimeter talent—featuring other top shooting guards like Austin Goosby (committed to Texas) and Jasiah Jervis (Michigan State)—securing the consensus No. 1 at the position is a feather in Davis’ cap. Critics have questioned UNC’s recruiting momentum in recent years amid misses on targets like A.J. Dybantsa, but victories like this silence the noise.
For Smith, the journey to Chapel Hill begins with high expectations. He’ll enroll in the fall of 2026, likely stepping into a prominent role immediately. Tar Heels fans are already dreaming of March runs fueled by his scoring bursts and clutch shots.
As Smith put it: “I’m ready to work. Carolina isn’t just a school—it’s family. Time to get to the top.”
North Carolina’s pursuit of banners continues, and with Jordan Smith leading the way, the future looks brighter than ever in Chapel Hill.
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