Hodge narrows college list to eight

Four-star guard Jayden Hodge reduces his college choices to eight programs including Georgetown and Northwestern.

Hodge narrows college list to eight

Jayden Hodge, a four-star shooting guard in the 2026 class, has trimmed his list to eight programs: Georgetown, Mississippi State, Northwestern, Old Dominion, Penn State, Vanderbilt, VCU and Virginia. The Montverde Academy (Florida) wing is ranked No. 61 overall and No. 16 at his position in Rivals rankings. He has hosted Georgetown and Northwestern for official visits this summer, while several programs have hosted him for unofficial visits. He previously earned offers from Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, Rutgers, TCU and others.

As a junior at St. Rose in New Jersey, Hodge averaged 21.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game. On the Under Armour circuit this summer, he averaged 15.7 points per game. In interviews, he described Georgetown as a program with an open offense and strong coaching relationship, and he noted Northwestern’s campus and playing style as appealing. He stressed that he wants a real connection with coaches, a sense of home for his family, and a path to playing early rather than sitting on the bench.

Hodge’s eight-school list highlights a common trend in recruiting: players gauge fit and comfort as much as prestige. The mix of power conferences and mid-major options suggests a strategy that prioritizes early court time and a coaching culture that matches a guard who can play multiple positions. Official visits to Georgetown and Northwestern show how campuses are competing with academics, lifestyle and the feel of daily life in shaping a decision. Hodge’s emphasis on an open offense and floor running also reflects modern guard archetypes who can drive a fast, free-flowing attack while contributing on defense.

For a player who values family warmth and clear coaching intent, the decision may hinge on where he sees himself thriving on the floor and in the locker room. Montverde’s ongoing track record of producing versatile guards reinforces the appeal of a program that can offer multiple system fits. The next phase will test which school can deliver not just minutes, but a path to development and a confident, long-term fit for him and his family.

Highlights

The next steps will clarify which program can best pair on-court opportunity with off-ccourt support.