DURHAM, N.C. – Head coach Jon Scheyer and the Duke men’s basketball program have officially secured the commitment of another top ranging five star winger, a consensus five-star prospect from Frisco Heritage High School (Texas). One of the headline names in the Class of 2026, Howard’s decision to wear Blue Devil colors is yet another major recruiting triumph for Duke, reinforcing the program’s ability to consistently draw the nation’s very best talent.
At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, Howard is ranked among the top 15 recruits nationwide and has earned a reputation as one of the most skilled and versatile wings in high school basketball. The son of former NBA standout and 2003 ACC Player of the Year Josh Howard, Bryson has already begun shaping his own legacy. With a rare combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive grit, he has become known not just as a prolific scorer and aggressive defender, but also as a player who raises the level of everyone around him.
Howard’s choice follows a highly competitive recruiting process that included offers from some of college basketball’s most storied programs, among them Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, Houston, Tennessee, and UConn. In the end, Duke won out, thanks to its winning culture, elite development track record, and the vision presented by Scheyer and his staff. His commitment is a strong endorsement of the direction Duke is headed under Scheyer and provides another cornerstone to a 2026 class that already ranks among the most impressive in the country.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Bryson and his family into the Duke Basketball family,” Scheyer said. “He’s a game-changer — a player who can score at every level, defend with intensity, and lead by example. What sets Bryson apart is not only his immense talent but also his work ethic and character. He reflects the exact qualities we want in a Duke student-athlete, and I have no doubt his impact here will be felt for years to come.”
For Howard, the choice was clear after his time in Durham.
“From the first moment I stepped on campus, Duke felt like home,” Howard said. “The coaches, players, and community all made me feel like I belonged. Coach Scheyer showed me a plan for how I can grow both on and off the court, and I knew this was the best place to challenge myself at the highest level. I’m ready to compete, represent Duke with pride, and help bring championships back to Durham.”
On the court, Howard brings a polished and versatile skill set that should make him a factor right away. He is an efficient perimeter shooter, explosive when attacking the rim, and has the strength to finish through contact. His vision and unselfishness allow him to create scoring chances for teammates, while his athleticism makes him a consistent rebounder and fast-break threat. Defensively, Howard’s length and instincts give him the ability to switch across positions and guard effectively on the perimeter or inside. His all-around game has scouts already projecting him as a likely NBA lottery pick.
Howard’s commitment carries weight beyond his own abilities. His pledge not only boosts Duke’s roster for the future but also strengthens the program’s recruiting momentum, sending a strong signal to other elite prospects in the Class of 2026. Analysts believe his decision could trigger a ripple effect, further tipping the recruiting landscape in Duke’s favor and cementing the Blue Devils as the premier destination for top-tier basketball talent.
With Howard officially in the fold, excitement in Durham has reached a fever pitch. His addition promises to keep Duke playing with the pace, versatility, and modern style that have come to define the program in recent years, while also upholding the toughness and tradition that are hallmarks of Duke basketball. More than just a high-profile recruiting victory, Howard’s commitment underscores that Duke remains firmly at the center of the national conversation whenever the sport’s brightest stars choose where to continue their careers.