The Duke Blue Devils have done it again — pulling off one of the biggest recruiting steals of the year.
In a move that has the entire college basketball world talking, Duke has landed five-star wing Bryson Howard, the son of former NBA All-Star Josh Howard, beating out their fiercest rivals — North Carolina and Kentucky — to do it.
Howard, a 6-foot-5 left-handed scorer, has exploded onto the national scene after a monster summer on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he averaged 19.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and an elite 46.2% from three-point range. His combination of size, skill, and shot-making made him one of the most coveted recruits in the Class of 2026.
> “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.”
During his official visit to Durham, Howard got a firsthand look at what makes Jon Scheyer’s program different. The fast pace, player freedom, and family atmosphere struck a chord with the talented wing.
> “When I attended practice, I saw that their style of play fits my game,” Howard said. “The practice was very positive and full of energy, with a pace that was up and down. Coach Scheyer believes I will thrive in his system.”
Howard’s father, Josh Howard, starred at Wake Forest before becoming an NBA All-Star with the Dallas Mavericks and a first-round pick (No. 29 overall) in the 2003 NBA Draft. Now, his son is following in his footsteps — but in Duke blue.
For Coach Scheyer, this commitment is another statement on the recruiting trail. Duke has already secured the No. 1 recruiting class in each of the last two years, and adding Bryson Howard gives them a huge head start on what could easily become another top-ranked group in 2026.
Howard brings Duke exactly what it thrives on — versatility, shooting, and elite-level confidence. And more than that, he represents the type of player who fits perfectly in Scheyer’s vision: NBA-ready talent built on trust, connection, and development.
If Howard’s rise continues on its current trajectory, this could go down as one of the most important pickups of Duke’s next era — and one that leaves both UNC and Kentucky wondering how they let him get away.
