Tue Oct 21 20:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Duke Lands First 2026 Commitment with Top-20 Wing Bryson Howard
DURHAM, NC – Duke University men’s basketball secured a major win on the recruiting trail, landing a commitment from top-20 senior Bryson Howard on Tuesday. The 6-foot-5 left-handed wing from Pro Skills on the Nike EYBL circuit chose the Blue Devils over blueblood rivals North Carolina and Kentucky, marking Jon Scheyer’s first commitment for the 2026 class.
Howard, the son of former NBA veteran Josh Howard, experienced a meteoric rise this spring and summer. He averaged 19.7 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting a blistering 46.2% from beyond the arc in 21 games, vaulting from unranked to No. 20 in the latest senior class rankings. He’s known for his exceptional shooting ability and versatility on the offensive end.
“I loved my visit to Duke,” Howard told ESPN. “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.”
Scheyer and the Blue Devils impressed Howard with their up-tempo style and a positive, energetic atmosphere. “When I attended practice, I saw that their style of play fits my game,” Howard said. “Coach Scheyer believes I will thrive in his system.”
This commitment continues Duke’s recent recruiting dominance, having secured the No. 1 recruiting class in each of the last two years. Scheyer has prioritized building through talented freshman classes over relying heavily on the transfer portal.
Duke’s recruiting efforts for the 2026 class are far from over. They remain in pursuit of several other top prospects, including Jordan Smith (No. 2), Cameron Williams (No. 3), Austin Goosby (No. 19), and Maximo Adams (No. 26). Five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. (No. 18) is currently visiting the campus this week, and they recently hosted Canadian big man Maxime Meyer.
The Blue Devils have also made inroads with elite 2027 prospect Sayon Keita, a center for FC Barcelona who is potentially considering reclassifying to the 2026 class. This early commitment from Howard positions Duke well to potentially land another top-ranked recruiting class in 2026.
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