Penn State wrestling flips top 2026 recruit Jayden James from Virginia Tech
Penn State wrestling has landed its second verbal commitment in the Class of 2026. New Jersey junior Jayden James announced Tuesday that he will compete at the college level for the Nittany Lions. He was previously committed to Virginia Tech. James joins Pennsylvania native Sam Herring in the team’s next recruiting class.
James is a three-time New Jersey state placer. He won the 150-pound title this past season after previously finishing third and second as a freshman and sophomore, respectively.
“Outside of New Jersey, James earned his second 16U freestyle national championship in Fargo this summer,” Earl Smith writes for InterMat. He was also third in the UWW U17 World Team Trials in freestyle.
“During the 2023-24 school year, James claimed a title at the Beast of the East. Prior to his freshman year at Delbarton, James was fourth at the Super 32.”
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Deion Sanders
CU coach gets huge extension
- 2New
Buzz Williams
Eyeing Maryland job if open
- 3
Elite Eight game times
Saturday tips times, TV announced
- 4Hot
Ryan Grubb contract
Bama OC's salary shared
- 5
Alabama vs. Duke
Elite 8 spread released
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
James is the nation’s No. 2 150-pounder in MatScout’s most recent high school rankings. He is No. 18 in the outlet’s pound-for-pound rankings regardless of age. And, he’s the No. 4 recruit on its Class of 2026 big board. He will compete in the middle weights at the next level, and has the potential to go at 174 pounds. Penn State will be seeking a starter there by the time he arrives, as Levi Haines’ eligibility clock expires after the 2025-2026 season.
James is the second new commitment in as many days. On Monday, Japanese superstar and reigning World champ Masanosuke Ono picked Penn State. He will arrive for the 2025 season. He projects to wrestle at either 133 or 141 pounds.
Want breaking news like this delivered straight to your inbox for FREE? Sign up today for the BWI breaking newsletter! You’ll also get daily updates with the top headlines of the day five times a week. Click here to sign-up!
More Penn State wrestling news
Penn State has two of the three finalists for this year’s Hodge Trophy. It is college wrestling’s version of the Heisman Trophy. Graduate senior Carter Starocci and redshirt sophomore Mitchell Mesenbrink are both up for the honor after winning the 184- and 165-pound NCAA titles, respectively, last weekend in Philadelphia. They are joined on the list of finalists by Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State. There is a fan vote component in the selection process. Penn State fans can click here to cast their vote.
Watch the latest Blue-White Illustrated Penn State wrestling show below:
