Class of 2026 #4 James Flips Commitment to Penn State

Post NCAA recruiting in the Class of 2026 got off to a huge start today as one of the top juniors in the nation flipped his previous commitment. Jayden James (Delbarton, NJ) announced via social media that he has committed to wrestle at Penn State. He was one of the first members of the Class of 2026 to commit and had given a verbal to Virginia Tech. 

James is a three-time New Jersey state placewinner who was third as a freshman, a state runner-up as a sophomore, and a state champion 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’ state title came at 150 lbs and he could project to wrestle around 174 lbs for the Nittany Lions. 

James comes in at #4 overall in the Class of 2026 and he’s currently ranked second in the nation at 150 lbs in MatScouts most recent update. 

In addition to his previous commitment to Virginia Tech, James also visited Michigan last fall. 

James joins Sam Herring in the Nittany Lions Class of 2026. 

For all of Penn State Class of 2025 and 2026 information, check out InterMat’s college commitment page.