BREAKING: Kansas State Wildcats Basketball Lands Five-Star Shooting Guard Jordan Smith Jr. in Major Flip
**MANHATTAN, Kan.** – In a stunning recruiting victory that has sent shockwaves through the Big 12 and the entire college basketball landscape, the Kansas State Wildcats have secured a commitment from one of the most electrifying prospects in America. **Jordan Smith Jr.** , the five-star shooting guard from Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia, and a consensus top-five player in the Class of 2026, announced his decision to flip his commitment from the University of Texas to join the Wildcats .
The announcement, made during a live broadcast from his high school, represents the single most significant recruiting triumph for Kansas State basketball in the modern era and a definitive declaration that the Wildcats remain a force on the recruiting trail despite recent coaching uncertainty. Smith Jr., a 6-foot-2, 200-pound composite guard with elite scoring ability, exceptional basketball IQ, and a relentless competitive motor, had been the cornerstone of Texas’s highly touted recruiting class . His decision to flip to Kansas State is a monumental victory that instantly transforms the Wildcats’ backcourt future.
“This decision is about belief, development, and being part of something special that’s being built in Manhattan,” Smith Jr. stated during his announcement. “Coach Tang and this staff never wavered in their pursuit. They showed me a vision of how I fit into their system and a path to competing for championships in the Big 12. I believe in what’s happening at Kansas State, and I want to be a cornerstone of that.”
This monumental flip takes on even greater significance given the context of Jerome Tang’s recent departure. On February 15, 2026, Kansas State fired head coach Jerome Tang for cause midway through his fourth season, following a disappointing 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati and controversial postgame comments . The timing—just days before Smith Jr.’s announcement—created significant uncertainty around the program’s future.
Despite the coaching transition, Smith Jr. remained steadfast in his commitment to the Wildcats. His decision signals confidence in Kansas State’s program infrastructure, NIL capabilities, and the direction of the program under new leadership. According to The Athletic, the Wildcats have embraced NIL as a means to entice top talent, making them one of the highest-paying programs in the Big 12 for elite recruits .
Smith Jr.’s high school career at Paul VI Catholic speaks for itself. Ranked as the No. 3 shooting guard nationally and the top player in Washington, D.C., according to 247Sports composite rankings, he has established himself as one of the most complete guards in his class . His combination of scoring versatility, defensive tenacity, and leadership qualities made him the most sought-after shooting guard in the nation.
The implications are immediate and staggering. Smith Jr.’s commitment instantly catapults Kansas State’s 2026 recruiting class into national prominence and serves as a powerful beacon for other elite prospects considering the Wildcats. It provides the program with a foundational piece to build around for years to come and sends a clear message that Kansas State’s recruiting momentum remains strong despite recent turbulence.
Smith Jr. joins a Wildcats program that has demonstrated a propensity to pay top-of-market in the NIL era, even if it hasn’t yet translated to consistent winning . According to U.S. Department of Education data, Kansas State ranked 43rd among public institutions in men’s basketball expenses at approximately $10.9 million, placing them competitively within the Big 12 .
For the Wildcats and their passionate fanbase, Smith Jr. represents more than a commitment—he symbolizes resilience and ambition. The program is now actively seeking Tang’s replacement, with candidates including Belmont’s Casey Alexander, Stephen F. Austin’s Matt Braeuer, Utah State’s Jerrod Calhoun, and Virginia Tech associate head coach Chester Frazier—a former K-State assistant with deep ties to the program . Whoever takes the helm will inherit a five-star talent capable of transforming the program’s trajectory.
In Manhattan, the message is clear: The Wildcats aren’t rebuilding—they’re reloading, and they’ve just landed the best shooting guard in America to lead the charge.
