Arkansas basketball recruiting: Jordan Smith, No. 2 player in Class of 2026, puts 'trust' in John Calipari
CBS Sports
by
Adam Finkelstein
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Arkansas basketball recruiting has landed a major coup with Jordan Smith, ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2026, committing to the Razorbacks during his Senior Night at Fairfax (Virginia) Paul VI Catholic High School. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound combo guard chose Arkansas over finalists including Duke, Kentucky, and Syracuse, citing his trust in head coach John Calipari’s ability to develop elite guards and his own desire to make an immediate impact on the court. Smith’s decision solidifies Arkansas’ 2026 recruiting class as one of the nation’s top five, according to 247Sports.
Smith, a dynamic player with impressive physical tools, averaged 19.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during the recent EYBL season. His decision to join Arkansas was influenced by Calipari’s track record of turning guards into NBA-bound talent, including current Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff, who is having a standout freshman season. Smith sees parallels in his game and Acuff’s development, noting similarities in their size, style, and potential for success under Calipari’s guidance.
The commitment also highlights the importance of relationships and program culture in modern recruiting. Smith described Arkansas as feeling like “home” during his visit, emphasizing the high-intensity practices, lack of distractions, and alignment with his goals to excel at the next level. His choice underscores Calipari’s ability to attract top talent by blending a winning tradition with personal connections.
Arkansas’ 2026 class now features three highly-rated players: Smith, JJ Andrews (No. 12 overall), and Abdou Toure (No. 26). The addition of Smith, who is known for his offensive versatility, defensive prowess, and elite perimeter rebounding, positions the Razorbacks to continue building a competitive team with NBA draft potential. As one of the top recruits in the nation, Smith’s commitment not only boosts Arkansas’ national standing but also reinforces Calipari’s reputation as a developer of elite guards.
This recruitment matters to sports fans and analysts as it reflects the growing momentum of Arkansas basketball under Calipari. Smith’s decision to join forces with a coach known for producing NBA talent adds another layer of excitement for the program’s future. His development journey, combined with the success of current players like Acuff, will likely draw even more attention to Arkansas’ basketball program in the coming years.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026