Hold onto your seats, basketball fans, because Northwestern just landed a game-changer! Jayden Hodge, the highly-ranked Belgian phenom, has officially committed to the Wildcats, marking a historic moment for the program. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Hodge isn’t just any recruit—he’s ESPN’s #69 player in the Class of 2026 and the highest-ranked prospect in Northwestern men’s basketball history, according to 247 Sports. Is this the start of a new era for NU hoops?
The four-star recruit announced his decision Monday afternoon on Instagram, capping off a whirlwind recruiting journey that had college basketball insiders buzzing. Hodge’s unique ability to dominate on both ends of the court—averaging 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and nearly one block per game during Belgium’s 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket run—made him a top target for programs nationwide. But what tipped the scales for Northwestern?
‘It was definitely a hard decision,’ Hodge told The Daily, ‘but I felt confident after thinking it through. I’m happy I made this choice.’ And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just about basketball. During his June campus visit, Hodge was blown away by Northwestern’s academic rigor and stunning campus. Plus, his tour guide was none other than Jayden Reid, a South Florida transfer and former teammate of Hodge’s older brother, Matthew. Talk about a full-circle moment!
But here’s the controversial part: With offers from powerhouse programs like Georgetown, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt, why Northwestern? Hodge admits he struggled most between NU and Old Dominion, where his father, Odell Hodge, is a legend. Could family ties have swayed his decision, or did Northwestern’s vision win him over? Hodge credits NU’s coaching staff, particularly Chris Collins, for making him feel like a priority. ‘Coach Collins started coming to my games, and the connection just got stronger every day,’ he said. ‘I knew I could go there, work hard, and make an immediate impact.’
Hodge’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Just a few years ago, he was living in Antwerp, Belgium, with no plans for college basketball. That changed when his family moved to Belmar, New Jersey, where he and Matthew dominated at St. Rose High School, helping the team achieve a No. 1 ranking in the state. After Matthew’s departure for Villanova, Jayden stepped into a leadership role, leading St. Rose to a Shore Conference Tournament Championship and earning Player of the Year honors. Now, he’s prepping for his senior season at Montverde Academy, a high school basketball powerhouse, with his sights set on the Chipotle Nationals in April.
But here’s the real question: Can Hodge replicate his high school success at the collegiate level? He’s confident. ‘I’m here to get better and prepare for college,’ he said. ‘We’ve got a great team, and we’re putting in the work.’ For NU fans, Hodge promises one thing: ‘I’m a player who plays to win. Every time I step on the court, I make winning plays—diving for loose balls, guarding every position, whatever it takes.’
As Northwestern celebrates this monumental commitment, the bigger question looms: Is Jayden Hodge the missing piece that propels NU into the national spotlight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—are you excited for Hodge’s arrival, or do you think the hype is overblown? One thing’s for sure: the Wildcats’ future just got a whole lot brighter.
