Get ready for some exciting news in the world of men's basketball! The highly anticipated recruitment journey of Jayden Hodge has come to an end, and he's chosen Northwestern!
Jayden Hodge, ranked an impressive #69 in ESPN's Top 100 players for the Class of 2026, has made a bold move. This four-star recruit announced his commitment to Northwestern on Instagram, and it's a decision that has everyone talking.
According to 247 Sports' composite ranking, Hodge will be Northwestern's highest-ranked men's basketball recruit in recent history. But here's where it gets controversial... Hodge's decision comes after an intense recruiting cycle that included three other highly sought-after players: Tre Singleton, Jake West, and Tyler Kropp. Coach Chris Collins seems to be on a roll, and he's not showing any signs of slowing down!
Hodge's unique two-way playmaking abilities have caught the eye of many recruiters. In 2024, he led the Belgian national team to a remarkable seventh-place finish in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket championship. His stats speak for themselves: 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, along with impressive defensive skills. Hodge averaged 1.7 steals and nearly a block per game, making him a true all-around talent.
When Hodge visited Northwestern's campus, he was blown away by the academic rigor and the beautiful surroundings. But what really sealed the deal was the sense of belonging he felt. Hodge mentioned that Coach Collins and the entire program made him feel wanted and valued. It's clear that the connection between Hodge and Northwestern runs deep.
With offers from prestigious schools like Georgetown, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt, Hodge had a tough decision to make. He revealed that his choice between Northwestern and Old Dominion was the most challenging. Here's an interesting twist: Hodge's father, Odell Hodge, was a two-time CAA Player of the Year at Old Dominion, and he currently works as a special assistant to the head coach at his alma mater. Talk about a family connection!
But Jayden Hodge's journey to becoming a college basketball star wasn't always a given. Just a couple of years ago, the Hodge family was living in Antwerp, Belgium. It was only when they moved to Belmar, New Jersey, that Jayden's basketball career truly took off. Playing for Brian Lynch, his father's former professional teammate and godfather to the Hodge brothers, Jayden and his older brother, Matthew, dominated the courts and helped St. Rose High School achieve a No. 1 ranking in New Jersey.
As Matthew Hodge moved on to play for Villanova in the 2024-25 season, Jayden stepped into a leadership role as a junior. He led St. Rose to their second Shore Conference Tournament Championship, scoring an impressive 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the finals. His performance earned him the Shore Sports Insider's Player of the Year award.
In preparation for his senior season, Jayden Hodge made a bold move by transferring to the renowned Montverde Academy, led by head coach Steve Turner. His goal? To ride his success all the way to the Chipotle Nationals in April. Hodge's commitment to Northwestern came early in the year, allowing him to focus solely on his game at Montverde.
Hodge has a clear message for Northwestern fans eagerly awaiting his debut: he's all about winning. "You can expect a player who plays to win," Hodge said. "I'll do whatever it takes on the court to help the team succeed. Whether it's diving for loose balls, playing tough defense, or guarding any position, I'm committed to making an impact."
So, what do you think about Jayden Hodge's decision to commit to Northwestern? Do you think he'll lead the team to new heights? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this exciting recruitment story.
