News Summary
NC State football has strengthened its future by securing commitments from two high school athletes from South Carolina for the 2026 recruiting class. Offensive lineman Tre Aiken and cornerback Jordyn Best have decided to join the Wolfpack. Aiken brings valuable depth on the offensive line, while Best showcases impressive defensive skills, having logged significant tackles and interceptions during his junior season. Their commitments reflect a growing trend for the team, with both players set to enhance NC State’s talent pool heading into the future.
RALEIGH, NC – NC State football has bolstered its future with the recent commitments of two high school athletes from South Carolina for the 2026 recruiting class. On June 10, 2023, Clinton, S.C. offensive lineman Tre Aiken became the first to commit, followed closely by Jordyn Best, a cornerback from Columbia, S.C., approximately two hours later.
Aiken, a three-star prospect, is recognized for his strong performance on the offensive line. His commitment will add depth and skill to NC State’s offensive roster. Meanwhile, Best, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 180 pounds, chose the Wolfpack over several competitive offers from institutions such as Boston College, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech, where he had previously visited.
During his junior season, Best demonstrated his defensive abilities with impressive statistics, logging 22 total tackles, three tackles for a loss, and two interceptions. His standout performance is complemented by his athleticism, highlighted by an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.31 seconds and a 10.52-second time in the 100 meters, showcasing his track speed.
The additions of Aiken and Best signify a growing trend for the Wolfpack, as Aiken became the 18th commitment overall for NC State’s 2026 class, while Best took the tally to 19. Best joins other new additions, including Winter Park (Fla.) three-star cornerback Jordan Jackson, further strengthening the team’s defensive strategies.
Defensive Commitments
NC State’s defensive haul for the 2026 recruiting cycle includes:
- Markel Aguirre (safety, Locust Grove, Ga.)
- Tristen Hill (safety, Suwanee, Ga.)
- Carmelo McKenzie (defensive lineman, Bradenton, Fla.)
- Jordan Moreta (linebacker, Pittsburgh, Pa.)
- Zykir Moore (linebacker, Baltimore, Md.)
- Koby Sarkodie (safety, Baltimore, Md.)
- D’Various Surratt (safety, Shelby, N.C.)
Offensive Commitments
The Wolfpack’s offensive commitments for the 2026 class comprise:
- Landry Brede (offensive lineman, Mentor, Ohio)
- Tyreek Copper (wide receiver, Kinston, N.C.)
- Dylan McCoy (running back, Buford, Ga.)
- Jaire Richburg (wide receiver, Kernersville, N.C.)
- Brady Sakowitz (offensive tackle, Richmond, Va.)
- Jacob Smith (quarterback, Pfafftown, N.C.)
Additionally, the only special teams commitment thus far for NC State in this recruiting class is Taylon Tranel, a long snapper from Cameron, N.C.
Background Context
As college football programs across the nation prepare for the future, NC State has been proactive in its recruitment efforts. The commitments of Aiken and Best enhance the Wolfpack’s talent pool and demonstrate the program’s ongoing strategy to attract promising athletes from competitive high school programs. The 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be a critical component in the long-term success and competitiveness of NC State football.
With a blend of offensive and defensive recruits, NC State is well-positioned to enhance its game strategies and continue to build a solid foundation for the upcoming seasons. As the 2026 class continues to form, the excitement among fans and supporters grows, marking an essential time for the Wolfpack’s football program.
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Additional Resources
- Fayetteville Observer: NC State Football Signing Day
- Pack Insider: NC State Football Recruiting Class
- Sports Illustrated: NC State Football Hospitality
- News Observer: NC State Sports
- NC State Athletics: Andy Vaughn Profile
- Wikipedia: North Carolina State Wolfpack
- Google Search: NC State Football Recruiting 2026
- Google Scholar: College Football Recruiting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina State University
- Google News: NC State Football
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
