NC State is putting on a hard push for the #1 PG in the country, visits Rippey Jr in NJ

Deron Rippey Jr is the #1 PG in the class of 2026. He’s being courted by the likes of Duke, Tennessee, and Kentucky. But NC State is also right in the mix.

In fact, today, NC State’s Andrew Slater was reportedly in New Jersey at Blair Academy to see Rippey Jr.

NC State's Andrew Slater was at Blair Academy today to see 2026 Deron Rippey… Wolfpack staff seem to be making a strong push for the No. 1 PG in the country. #PhenomHoops https://t.co/oq0cuA6pfn pic.twitter.com/VDWXz58u76

— Patrick O'Brien (@POBScout) October 8, 2025

And this isn’t some new thing. Wade and Slater went to visit him 4 weeks ago.

Thanks Coach Wade And GM Slater @PackMensBball For Coming By To Meet With Meet And The Family!
Grateful! Ron Ron Was At @BlairAcademyMBB After Attending The @3SSBCircuit All American Camp In California. TGBTG #WeWalkByFaithAndNotBySight! pic.twitter.com/FSDhuVXGXh

— Deron Rippey Sr. (@rippey_deron) September 8, 2025

Rippey Jr. will be taking an Official Visit to NC State November 7th. He has already taken Official Visits to Miami and UNC, Alabama (9/13), Texas (9/19), Syracuse (9/26), and Kentucky (10/4). He also has visits line up with Duke (10/21) and Tennessee (10/25).

The Wolfpack offered Rippey Jr. on June 17th.

ESPN rates Rippey Jr. as a 5-star prospect, and Rivals ranks him as the #8 overall player nationally in the 2026 recruiting class, the #2 Point Guard and the #1 player in the state of New Jersey.

This past year, he led Blair Academy to a 24-4 record, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. Rippey Jr. was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey as a Junior.