July 13, 2025

NC State Football Welcomes Two Key Commitments

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.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Landon Duckworth Set to Announce College Decision
South Carolina Schools Embrace NIL in 2026 Football Recruiting
NC State Hosts Key Recruits for Official Visits
South Carolina’s Rising Stars in College Football Recruitment
South Carolina Football Coach Makes Strides in Recruiting
Presbyterian College Honors Excellence at 2025 Convocation
Jaycee Horn Becomes Highest-Paid Cornerback in NFL History
National Signing Day 2025: Highlights from Winners and Losers

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE CLINTON

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

Stay Connected

More Updates

Winter scene in Clinton, South Carolina with clear skies and bundled up people

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit