Top guard in '26 class, Jordan Smith, picks Arkansas over Duke - ESPN

Top-five senior Jordan Smith, the best guard in the 2026 class, has committed to Arkansas, he announced Friday.

Smith picked John Calipari and the Razorbacks over Duke, Georgetown and Syracuse, while Indiana and Kentucky also made his final six from the summer. In Fayetteville, he'll immediately replace Darius Acuff, the star freshman and projected lottery pick.

«I chose Arkansas because Coach Calipari can help improve my game. Playing for him is a blessing; he has had great success with many guards in the past,» Smith told ESPN. «My goals are to help win a championship with my coaches and teammates, make friends for life and hopefully be a one-and-done — in a positive and confident way, not cocky. I want to impact the program like Darius Acuff. We're different players, but I want to have the same impact.»

Duke was considered the favorite for most of the summer and fall, but Arkansas began to generate momentum during the early signing period and solidified its standing once the Blue Devils took a commitment in late December from five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr.

Smith and Calipari developed a strong relationship during the recruiting process, helping the Razorbacks surge to the top of his list.

«The first time I spoke to Coach Calipari, he asked me what my goal was,» he said. «I said it was to be a first-round pick, and he replied, 'Why not aim higher than that?' Let's get you there and push you to a higher level. Don't put limits on yourself.' That really meant a lot to me, that he believes in me that much. He has been very straightforward throughout the recruiting process, and I enjoy talking to him.

»All my visits were very good, but when I left Arkansas, I felt it was the right place for me."

A 6-foot-2 guard