Cayden Daughtry: Rising 2027 Top-20 Guard and His College Recruitment Update

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-school basketball recruiting, Cayden Daughtry has emerged as one of the true tone-setting prospects in the Class of 2027. The electrifying guard from Calvary Christian Academy in Florida continues to climb recruiting boards and draw sustained attention from high-major programs across the country.

National Profile & Playing Style

Daughtry stands around 6-1 and 160 pounds and combines elite ball-handling, scoring savvy, and playmaking instincts that make him one of the country’s most dynamic backcourt talents. He is frequently deployed with the ball in his hands, where his ability to attack downhill, create separation off the bounce, and deliver in clutch moments has drawn comparisons with traditional floor leaders.

On the grassroots circuit, Daughtry has showcased his scoring chops and court vision, even averaging over 25 points per game in some competitive matchups. Scouts highlight his high basketball IQ and knack for controlling tempo, a trait that projects well to the college level.

Ranking & Recruiting Status

According to major recruiting services:

• No. 17 overall prospect nationally in the 2027 recruiting class, firmly placing him near the top tier of his cycle.

• Industry-wide lists also include him in Top-20 tiers with strong positional marks among point guards in his class.

His recruiting stock has risen throughout the 2025-26 high school season, and he’s widely viewed as a five-star caliber commit once schools begin solidifying their 2027 classes.

Latest Recruiting Landscape: The Schools in the Mix

Daughtry reports that the programs contacting him most persistently and where he’s feeling most recruiting traction include:

1. Miami (ACC)

Miami has shown consistent interest and continues to make contact with Daughtry’s camp, signaling that he remains on their radar as a potential key backcourt piece.

2. Iowa (Big Ten)

The Hawkeyes have reportedly intensified their pursuit, with staff emphasizing how Daughtry could immediately fit into their guard-driven offensive schemes. Sources note that Iowa envisions a role for Daughtry as a floor general in their system, a strategy that has historically worked well for them.

3. Florida State (ACC)

Florida State continues to show consistent engagement, and their recruiters have stayed active throughout the evaluation process. Their recent uptick in guard recruitment makes Daughtry an intriguing fit. 

4. Michigan (Big Ten)

Michigan has also contacted Daughtry’s camp, reflecting the Wolverines’ desire to bolster their guard depth with a proven playmaker at the next level.

5. USC (Pac-12)

USC rounds out the group of heavy hitters courting Daughtry, as the Trojans look to add pace and scoring punch in the backcourt within a conference that demands athletic, versatile guards. 

What’s Next for Daughtry

With the 2027 cycle still relatively early in the official recruiting calendar, Daughtry is expected to continue garnering interest from high-major and Power-Five programs. As schools begin to allocate official visits and offer letters more aggressively in 2026, his recruitment could accelerate quickly.

Given his ranking, skill set, and the college programs currently targeting him, Daughtry is positioned to be one of the marquee decisions of the 2027 class, a player capable of instantly influencing the fortunes of whichever program lands his commitment.

Written by Alex Karamanos | January 6, 2026