Top-five senior Jordan Smith, recognized as the premier guard in the 2026 class, has officially committed to Arkansas, as he revealed on Friday.
Smith chose John Calipari and the Razorbacks over Duke, Georgetown, and Syracuse, with Indiana and Kentucky also making his final six from the previous summer. In Fayetteville, he’ll step in for Darius Acuff, the standout freshman and projected lottery selection.
“I selected Arkansas because Coach Calipari can enhance my game. Playing for him is a privilege; he’s achieved remarkable success with numerous guards before,” Smith told ESPN. “My objectives are to assist in winning a championship alongside my coaches and teammates, forge lifelong friendships, and ideally be a one-and-done — in a positive, confident manner, not arrogant. I aspire to influence the program as Darius Acuff did. Though we play differently, I aim for a similar impact.”
Duke was seen as the front-runner for much of the summer and fall, but Arkansas gained momentum during the early signing period and confirmed its position when the Blue Devils secured a commitment from five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. in late December.
Smith and Calipari fostered a strong bond throughout the recruiting journey, propelling the Razorbacks to the forefront of his preferences.
“When I first conversed with Coach Calipari, he asked about my goals,” he recounted. “I mentioned that I aimed to be a first-round pick, and he responded, ‘Why not set your sights even higher? Let’s work together to get you there and elevate your game. Don’t limit yourself.’ That truly resonated with me, knowing he believes in me that much. He has been open and honest throughout the recruiting process, and I always enjoy our conversations.”
“All my visits were great, but leaving Arkansas, I felt it was the perfect fit for me.”
A 6-foot-2 guard capable of playing either backcourt role, Smith is ranked No. 3 overall in the SC Next 100 for the 2026 class. He finished in the top 10 in the Nike EYBL in points, assists, steals, and blocks, averaging 19.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and over one block while playing for Team Takeover. He also boasted a shooting percentage of better than 60% inside the arc.
Smith earned two gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup last summer, where he averaged 8.4 points in the 2025 event.
Smith is known as the player in the 2026 class who consistently contributes to winning. From an athletic perspective, he is imposing and powerful, featuring a 6-9 wingspan and a toned physique. He leverages his frame effectively and shines defensively, capable of switching onto anyone due to his strength and resilience. He is also an elite rebounder on the perimeter.
Offensively, he drives to the basket with force and leverage like few guards in his class, complemented by a reliable jump shot from beyond the arc and consistency from mid-range and the free throw line. His on-court attributes are his superpowers: defense, rebounding, competitiveness, and unselfishness. While he is already highly productive, he projects to be a first-round, if not lottery, pick in the future.
Smith’s commitment elevates Arkansas into the top three recruiting classes in the nation. He is the third SC Next 100 recruit to pledge to the Razorbacks for the 2026 class, joining five-star forward JaShawn Andrews (No. 11) and four-star small forward Abdou Toure (No. 34).
Since moving to Fayetteville from Kentucky, Calipari has secured the No. 7 recruiting class in 2024 and the No. 3 class in 2025.
