A new era is dawning for Northwestern basketball — and Jayden Hodge is leading the charge. The four-star guard from Belgium, ranked No. 69 in ESPN’s Top 100 for the Class of 2026, has officially committed to Northwestern. His decision, announced Monday on Instagram, marks a historic moment for the program: according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Hodge becomes the highest-rated men’s basketball recruit to ever join the Wildcats.
“It was definitely a tough call,” Hodge told The Daily. “I took my time, thought through everything carefully, and now I feel really confident in my choice.”
Hodge’s rise has been fueled by his versatility. Known for his two-way excellence, he became a standout at the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championship, powering Belgium to a seventh-place finish while averaging 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. On defense, he was relentless — averaging 1.7 steals and nearly one block per contest. Those kinds of numbers make coaches take notice, and Northwestern wasn’t the only one watching.
But here’s where it gets interesting: this commitment continues coach Chris Collins’ hot streak on the recruiting trail. After bringing in elite prospects Tre Singleton, Jake West, and Tyler Kropp — three of the best in Northwestern’s modern history — Collins has somehow managed to raise the bar yet again.
When Hodge visited Evanston in June, his tour guide was someone special — longtime friend and former roommate Jayden Reid, a recent USF transfer and the former teammate of Hodge’s older brother, Matthew. The visit sealed the deal. “I loved the campus, and the academics really stood out to me,” Hodge said. “But what mattered most was feeling how much Coach Collins and the staff wanted me. He kept showing up at my games, and our connection just grew stronger. I knew I could go there, work hard, and make an impact from day one.”
Despite heavy interest from schools like Georgetown, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt, Hodge admitted that narrowing down his list wasn’t easy. In fact, his toughest dilemma came down to a sentimental tug-of-war between Northwestern and Old Dominion — his father’s alma mater. Odell Hodge, who twice earned CAA Player of the Year honors and now serves as a special assistant coach at Old Dominion, left a powerful legacy there. The family connection made the decision even more emotional.
Interestingly, just a few years ago, college basketball wasn’t even on Jayden’s radar. Growing up in Antwerp, Belgium, his future seemed uncertain until the family relocated to Belmar, New Jersey, during his freshman year. There, he joined St. Rose High School under coach Brian Lynch — Odell’s former teammate and the Hodge brothers’ godfather. Alongside his brother Matthew, Jayden helped propel St. Rose to a No. 1 state ranking.
After Matthew committed to Villanova for the 2024–25 season, Jayden stepped into a leadership role, steering St. Rose to its second Shore Conference Tournament Championship. He posted 19 points and 10 rebounds in the final, earning Shore Sports Insider’s Player of the Year for his efforts.
Now a senior at Montverde Academy — one of the nation’s most prestigious basketball programs — Hodge continues to refine his game under head coach Steve Turner. “I came to Montverde to challenge myself,” he said. “Coach Turner is incredible, and we’ve been putting in serious work. I wanted to commit early so I could focus fully on the team and prepare for Chipotle Nationals.”
For Northwestern fans already dreaming of next season, Hodge’s message is simple and confident. “You’re getting a player who plays to win,” he promised. “I’ll do whatever it takes — hustle for loose balls, lock up on defense, and make the plays that matter. I want to help build something special at NU.”
And here’s the part most people miss: Hodge isn’t just another top recruit; he’s a signal that Northwestern is no longer a quiet underdog on the recruiting scene. With talent like his, the Wildcats might be on the cusp of rewriting their basketball narrative entirely.
What do you think? Is Northwestern quietly becoming a destination for elite basketball talent — or is Hodge’s commitment just a rare exception? Share your thoughts in the comments — this debate could divide college basketball fans everywhere.
