Duke Lands Another Five-Star Recruit

The Duke Blue Devils were one of four teams intently watching as five-star point guard Autumn Fleary announced her commitment on October 18. Having narrowed down her Top 4 to LSU, UNC, UCLA, and Duke, Fleary ultimately chose the Blue Devils.

HC Kara Lawson's Class of 2026 already includes two five-star players: Bella Flemings and Sanai Green, along with four-star Taylor Soflikanich. According to 247Sports, they had the No. 2 Class of 2026, only trailing Kentucky. Now, they're undoubtedly No. 1.

BREAKING: 5⭐ Autumn Fleary, the No. 12 ranked player in the SC NEXT Top 100 for the Class of 2026, has committed to Duke, she announced. pic.twitter.com/B3AD5YkaAQ
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) October 18, 2025

Duke Continues to Build a Dynasty

The Wildcats and Blue Devils made up two teams with five commits for the Class of '26. Kentucky's advantage was simple: all three of its recruits are five stars. With Duke being able to land Fleary, it's hard to argue that the Wildcats' recruiting class is still better than the Blue Devils. Thankfully for Duke, Kentucky was never in the running for their latest recruit.

Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center court logo before the Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Fleary, who attends Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC, is the No. 2 point guard in the nation. She's ranked No. 11 nationally, according to the 247Sports composite ranking. To no surprise, she's the No. 1 player in Washington, DC.

Back on July 4, Fleary chose her Top 4. It's been a long time coming, as Blue Devils fans were stuck waiting for three months before learning of her decision. As it turns out, it was more than worth the wait.

AUTUMN FLEARY COMMITS TO DUKE UNIVERSITY 💙😈

Fleary chose The Sisterhood over UNC, LSU, and UCLA 👀 @AutumnFleary2 @DukeWBB pic.twitter.com/I5C0zMwqDh
— MADE Hoops (@madehoops) October 18, 2025

ESPN's Charlie Creme listed every team's projected starting lineup before the 2025-26 season. Seeing as Duke landed a No. 7 ranking in the AP Top 25, one can only assume that number will be even higher next season, as long as they perform this year. The lone recruit in their starting lineup this season is Emilee Skinner, who was No. 4 in ESPN's Top 100.

Duke may have landed Flemings and Fleary, but they've struck out on a few other key recruits other than Fleary. No. 13-ranked PG Greenway was a big get for Kentucky back on November 16, 2024. In a world where the transfer portal is crazy and players decommit at a rapid rate, Greenway has stayed true to the Wildcats.

Oct 3, 2025; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Kara Lawson is introduced during player introductions at the Countdown to Craziness at the Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Addison Bjorn, a five-star recruit rated No. 10 in the nation, has yet to set a commitment date. With her eyes set on the likes of UConn, Iowa, and UNC, Duke is still in the mix for what could be Lawson's definitive get to round out the top players in her Class of 2026.

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