Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils continue to prep for the upcoming 2026-27 college basketball season. After losing to UConn in disappointing fashion, the Blue Devils are reloading with the 2026 recruiting class and transfer portal class. 

While next season is in focus, the future of the program is something that Scheyer and his staff are paying attention to as well.  As Duke has offered a few recruits in the 2027 class, they are now showing interest in the 2028 class as well. 

With the open communication period open, Duke wasted no time showing interest in the top player in the 2028 class. 

AJ Williams is currently ranked No. 1 overall in the 2028 recruiting class and the small forward out of Georgia is drawing a lot of interest so far. That includes from Duke.

Per Sam Kayser, the Blue Devils have reached out to Williams this week. They are one of several programs to reach out: 

BYU

Arkansas

Michigan

Louisville

Kentucky

Indiana

North Carolina

Auburn

Alabama

Florida State

USC

Mississippi State

Georgia

Georgia Tech

Maryland

While it's still very early in his recruitment, Williams has already been on a few visits so far. He's been to Duke, Auburn and Georgia last Summer. Here is what he told 247Sports about the Blue Devils back in May:

Duke: "My visit was great. I got to speak to Jayson Tatum and he's my favorite player and I try to model my game after him. It was a great experience."

Duke has yet to offer Williams in his recruitment but with them showing interest, it feels like an offer is just around the corner. Williams saying Tatum is his favorite player could also work in their favor.

For the Blue Devils, they could be heading into a recruitment where they are the presumed favorites although they haven't offered. Arch rival North Carolina recently offered Williams, officially entering the competition in his recruitment. 

This will certainly be something to monitor moving forward, especially when Duke offers Williams and gets him on campus for more visits over time.