BREAKING: Top-20 senior Bryson Howard has officially committed to Duke University, marking a significant milestone for the Blue Devils as they secure their first commitment for the 2026 recruiting class. The announcement came just moments ago, intensifying the excitement around Duke’s basketball program.
The 6-foot-5 wing and son of former NBA star Josh Howard chose Duke over fierce competitors North Carolina and Kentucky, reinforcing the Blue Devils’ status as a powerhouse in college basketball. Howard, who experienced a meteoric rise in rankings, was previously unranked and is now positioned as the No. 20 player in his class.
Howard’s decision follows a successful official visit to Durham last month, where he connected deeply with the coaching staff and team. “I loved my visit to Duke,” he stated. “I spent a lot of time with the coaches and players. We went to Coach Scheyer’s house for dinner, and it felt like home,” he told ESPN.
During the spring and summer, Howard showcased his scoring ability while playing for Pro Skills on the Nike EYBL circuit. He averaged 19.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and shot an impressive 46.2% from beyond the arc over 21 games. This performance has highlighted his potential as a top-tier player, capable of making an immediate impact at Duke.
Howard’s skill set includes exceptional shot-making, versatility as a lob catcher, and a strong ability to finish at the rim, making him a perfect fit for Coach Jon Scheyer’s fast-paced system. “When I attended practice, I saw that their style of play fits my game,” he added. “The practice was very positive and full of energy.”
Duke has established itself as a leader in recruiting, landing the No. 1 class in each of the last two cycles. With Howard’s commitment, the Blue Devils are not stopping here; they are actively pursuing top talents like Jordan Smith (No. 2), Cameron Williams (No. 3), and others to bolster their roster further.
Additionally, five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. (No. 18) is visiting the Blue Devils’ campus this week, while Canadian big man Maxime Meyer was hosted over the weekend. The recruitment of elite 2027 prospect Sayon Keita is also on the horizon as he considers reclassifying to 2026.
As Duke continues to build its future, the commitment of Bryson Howard signals their determination to remain a dominant force in college basketball. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the recruiting landscape evolves in the coming months.
