Despite all signs pointing to Villanova, Rutgers might actually win the race for one Hodge family from New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights and their star freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey “are playing some great ball,” as Kevin Durant put it. Some NBA scouts and execs have even picked Harper to be the Rookie of the Year, even with Cooper Flagg’s talent looming. Harper’s lure is such that one St. Rose junior is leaning toward Rutgers rather than his older brother’s school.

In a recent matchup of St. Rose vs. Archbishop Stepinac on Sunday, Class of 2026 guard Jayden Hodge led the charge with 18 points during a 57-54 victory for his school. The younger brother of Villanova freshman Matthew Hodge, Jayden is known for his stifling defense and his quick hands when he gets hot. It’s easy to understand why schools like Seton Hall, Rutgers, Michigan State, Old Dominion, Ohio State, Kansas, Georgetown, and Arkansas have been consistently reaching out. Villanova doesn’t seem like an option right now.

When asked where he wants to commit to, he said about Rutgers, “I think coach Pike (Steve Pikiell) is a great coach. He calls me a lot. They have a great team this year. I definitely enjoy the way they play. Dylan Harper, he’s a big guard. He has told me, they love to play big guards. I’ve been to their campus a few times already. I would definitely like to schedule an official visit soon.”

It’s not as if he doesn’t hear from Villanova at all but Rutgers does seem closer to his heart right now. Not only does his brother play there, but Jayden Hodge’s current coach at St. Rose, Brian Lynch, is a former Villanova guard and overseas professional. Lynch is also the godfather of the Hodge brothers, per Adam Zagoria of ZAGSBLOG.

While Rutgers is not the only school the younger Hodge plans on visiting, as he said the same for Kansas, Seton Hall, and Georgetown, might Villanova be able to convince him to join their side? For the heavily touted player that has been on most school’s radar, is not a chance the Wildcats would want to miss. And Jayden Hodge does plan to visit them soon.

While Rutgers and Dylan Harper remain favorites, Jayden Hodge would still give his brother’s Villanova a chance

You might remember Matthew Hodge making headlines a few months ago for the NCAA denying his initial eligibility waiver to attain qualifier status. Originally from Belgium, the NCAA found some discrepancies in labeling Hodge eligible for college play, which requires student-athletes to complete 10 core courses, seven of which must be in English, math, and science, before the start of their fourth year of high school. While St. Rose and Villanova approved it, the NCAA initially didn’t.

Nevertheless, Hodge’s younger brother will still be giving the school a chance before deciding on a final name and only had praise to give to the Wildcats. “I hear a lot from them. Especially from coach (Kyle) Neptune and coach (Mike) Nardi. Of course, my brother is there. So, I’ve been to a couple of games this season already. I’ve developed a great bond with the coaches. I’ve visited my brother a couple of times there. The academics are good and it is a nice campus also.”

Wherever Jayden Hodge now does end up, whether with Dylan Harper and Rutgers (although Harper may have already moved on to the NBA by then) or his brother at Villanova, he has enough talent to shine everywhere!