Smith Jr. Named to Naismith Player of the Year Watch List
Arkansas freshman Jordan Smith Jr. is one of 50 candidates on the 2026-27 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year Watch List.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
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Arkansas freshman Jordan Smith Jr. was named to the 2026-27 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year Watch List, which was announced by the Naismith Awards and Atlanta Tipoff Club. Smith is one of 50 candidates and one of five freshmen on the list.
Why it matters
The watch list places Smith among the top players in college basketball before his first Arkansas game. His selection follows a high school career that included winning the Jersey Mike's Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year Award.
Smith is one of 50 candidates and one of five freshmen named to the watch list. He was ranked first among the Field of 68 Top 10 SEC Freshmen and first of nine on the Diaper Dandy list.
The players
Jordan Smith Jr.
Smith is an Arkansas freshman guard who was the consensus National High School Player of the Year and a McDonald's All-American before joining the Razorbacks.
Naismith Awards
The Naismith Awards are an annual set of college and high school basketball honors that recognize top players across the sport.
Atlanta Tipoff Club
The Atlanta Tipoff Club is a basketball organization that co-announced the 2026-27 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Watch List.
The details
Smith won the Jersey Mike's Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year Award last season and was the consensus National High School Player of the Year. He was also a McDonald's All-American and a first-team All-American selection by MaxPreps, USA Today, Sporting News, and Naismith Awards.
Timeline
Last season: Smith won the Jersey Mike's Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year Award.
Last year: Darius Acuff Jr. was a finalist for the Jersey Mike's Naismith Award.
November 2, 2026: The watch list was announced.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Arkansas opens its season against UAPB at 7 pm at Bud Walton Arena.
Season Trajectory
Smith's watch list selection follows Darius Acuff Jr.'s finalist recognition for the Jersey Mike's Naismith Award last year, extending Arkansas's presence among the award's top candidates. The Razorbacks open their season against UAPB on Tuesday, November 3, at Bud Walton Arena.
Fans following Arkansas can watch the season opener against UAPB on SEC Network+ at 7 pm on Tuesday, November 3, at Bud Walton Arena. The game marks the first meeting between the Razorbacks and the Golden Lions in men's basketball.
The takeaway
Smith's early recognition offers a clear marker for tracking Arkansas's freshman class this season. Watch the Razorbacks' opener on November 3 to see how he fits into the rotation.
What happens next
Arkansas opens the 2026-27 season against UAPB on Tuesday, November 3, at 7 pm at Bud Walton Arena, with the game broadcast on SEC Network+.
Further reading
For more on the Razorbacks' season, see Fayetteville Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arkansas Razorbacks.
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