Jordan Smith named 2025-2026 MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year

Future Arkansas Razorback becomes first player from DMV area to win nation's highest honor in 21-year history of the award.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:33pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and raw athleticism of a basketball player in action, conveying the excitement and significance of the MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year award.The MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year award celebrates the explosive talent and potential of the nation's top high school basketball stars.Washington Today

Jordan Smith, a future Arkansas Razorback, has been named the 2025-2026 MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year. This marks the first time a player from the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) area has won the prestigious award in its 21-year history.

Why it matters

The MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year award is considered the highest individual honor for high school basketball players in the United States. Smith's achievement puts the DMV region on the map as a hotbed for elite basketball talent and highlights the growing strength of the sport in the nation's capital and surrounding areas.

The details

Jordan Smith, a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., was selected as the 2025-2026 MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year. He led his team to a state championship and averaged 25.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this past season. Smith has committed to play for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks next year.

  • Jordan Smith was named the MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year on April 7, 2026.

The players

Jordan Smith

A senior at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. who has committed to play basketball for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks next year.

MaxPreps

A leading high school sports media company that has awarded the National Basketball Player of the Year honor for the past 21 years.

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What they’re saying

“Jordan Smith is a special talent who has worked tirelessly to develop his game. We're thrilled to recognize him as the best high school basketball player in the country this season.”

— Mitch Stephens, Senior Writer, MaxPreps

What’s next

Smith will look to continue his success at the collegiate level as he joins the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program next season.

The takeaway

Jordan Smith's selection as the MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year highlights the growing strength of high school basketball talent in the DMV region and the ability of players from non-traditional powerhouse programs to earn national recognition.