Class of 2026 #11 Overall James to Virginia Tech

Recruiting in the Class of 2026 got off to a huge start today as one of the top high school juniors made his college decision known via social media. Jayden James (Delbarton, NJ) announced today that he has committed to wrestle for Tony Robie at Virginia Tech. 

James is a two-time New Jersey state placewinner who was third as a freshman and a state runner-up earlier this year. Outside of New Jersey, James earned his second 16U freestyle national championship in Fargo this summer. 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. 

James’ most recent Fargo title came at 150 lbs and he could project to wrestle around 174 lbs for the Hokies. 

James is the highest-ranked wrestler from the Class of 2026 to have made his college commitment - coming in at #11 overall in the class and he’s currently ranked third in the nation at 150 lbs in MatScouts most recent update. 

Getting a commitment of James’ caliber gets Virginia Tech started toward yet another respectable recruiting class. Robie’s team has inked a top-ten recruiting class in each of the last three years (2024/10th, 2023/9th, 2022/7th) and their early commitments from the current senior class should easily put them in the top-ten again. 

James took a visit to Virginia Tech two weeks ago. We mentioned him earlier this week in our campus visit recruiting feature, as he spent last weekend at the University of Michigan. 

For up-to-date recruiting information, check out InterMat’s college commitment page.