NC State Makes The Cut For Five-Star Guard Deron Rippey Jr.

One of the top guards in the 2026 class is closing in on a decision.

Blair Academy (NJ) star Deron Rippey Jr.‍, a five-star prospect and one of the most explosive backcourt athletes in the class, has informed the media he has trimmed his recruitment to a final five: NC State, Duke, Miami, Tennessee, and Texas.

A decision timeline has not yet been finalized, but sources indicate he is entering the final stretch of his process.

NC State making the final group is a significant step for the Wolfpack, who have prioritized Rippey throughout the cycle. The staff views him as a potential centerpiece guard—someone who fits perfectly into an offense that thrives when it has an attacking, multi-level creator at the point of attack.

Rippey’s last official visit was to NC State and the Pack remains in the mix.