Class of 2026 G Jordan Smith Jr. (VA) Offered

[walsh2012]

It's very interesting with Red because he is clearly on the hot seat, but if Syracuse does what it needs to do this season. Competitive, in the tournament, etc. Red is not only going to be off the hot seat, but seems set up for potentially up to a half of decade of a great talent pipeline that should create consistent success. One could argue that Red's recruiting from High School and most recently as of this last season the portal is starting to rival even Boeheim's best recruiting years. It would be really cool to see Red get that 180 reputational shift from this fan base with good results this season.

I believe in him. He did good work in his first season. I have faith he can bring that mojo back

 

[cayugacuse]

Pearl, Billy Owens, DC, Melo. Landing Jordan Smith Jr would rank right up there with those recruits.

 

[Irt4su]

Pearl, Billy Owens, DC, Melo. Landing Jordan Smith Jr would rank right up there with those recruits.

Wow, really? I’m not being sarcastic. That’s some high praise. Any idea if Bernie’s wife is here Sunday to show him around? (The second sentence was sarcasm though)

 

[cayugacuse]

Wow, really? I’m not being sarcastic. That’s some high praise. Any idea if Bernie’s wife is here Sunday to show him around? (The second sentence was sarcasm though)

Smith Jr is currently ranked #2 in his class according to 247. I'm pretty sure those players I mentioned were all ranked at least top three in their class.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Question: if a good guard (but lower ranked) wants to commit and sign this year, would Red take him (bird in the hand) or is he all in on these guys. (Thinking roster limits/construction, not scaring these guys off).

 

[Starman]

Question: if a good guard (but lower ranked) wants to commit and sign this year, would Red take him (bird in the hand) or is he all in on these guys. (Thinking roster limits/construction, not scaring these guys off).

With roster limits at 15 players now, I think the only worry would be spending too much of your nil prematurely. From what others have said about top ranked players, I doubt they'd be scared off by lower ranked freshmen. I'd imagine that's especially true with guards, as Autry likes his 3 guard lineups.

 

[cuseallday]

Question: if a good guard (but lower ranked) wants to commit and sign this year, would Red take him (bird in the hand) or is he all in on these guys. (Thinking roster limits/construction, not scaring these guys off).

It's a great question and discussion point. For one, I don't think either Rippey or Smith would be scared off by anyone. They're both top 10 players in this class. Now, certainly, we'll want to know if Nait George comes back for his senior year. Does Luke Fennell play a decent amount; what's his outlook? What about Womack? Kiyan and Jordan are both SGs, but Kiyan can also slot into the 3 spot. Regarding Red taking a lower-ranked guard, my main thing here is, I don't know who Syracuse is actively recruiting at this point in 2026 beyond Smith, Rippey, Elson and Walters (from 2027). It's getting to be somewhat later in this recruiting cycle, although both Rippey and Smith will likely sign during the regular period next spring. The interesting wrinkle is we're seeing more G Leaguers and international pros eyeing college, based on some recent eligibility cases (Louisville, for one). Could Syracuse take a look at a pro or two? Perhaps.

 

[sufan59]

Question: if a good guard (but lower ranked) wants to commit and sign this year, would Red take him (bird in the hand) or is he all in on these guys. (Thinking roster limits/construction, not scaring these guys off).

The way it feels like on the outside. These guys are waiting to commit. Would Rippey and Smith be waiting to commit if we weren’t involved and a serious contender. I’m pretty sure all the other programs they are considering have stability. Red probably sees it as if we perform and he can establish stability, we will be able to close the deal and get Rippey and/or Smith. We will also be sending some guys to the draft if we perform. If we don’t perform, it’s all moot. Red is a very perplexing leader at the moment, but despite some embarrassment last season, we have managed to get elite portal players and high school players and now even battling Duke again. If he gets results this season, a lot people will be eating crow, including myself. I was so done with him in January.