It was a big-time Wednesday for Rutgers wrestling, who landed a commitment from Ayden Smith. One of the top prospects in the nation, Smith flipped from Cornell to Rutgers.
A Pennslyvania state champion last year after going 47-3, Smith is currently 20-2. He wrestles at 113 pounds for Notre Dame-Green Pond (Easton, Pennsylvania) and is ranked No. 3 in the nation in his weight class by MatScouts.
In all likelihood, Smith will start his college career at 125 pounds. He is quick and agile with good feet.
He originally committed to Cornell in October.
On Wednesday morning, Rutgers head coach [autotag]Scott Goodale[/autotag] teased the flip from Smith. The commitment went on social media a couple of hours later.
#BOOM! Ayden Smith is headed to the Banks! The @NDGPwrestle senior flipped from Cornell and is ranked #3 in the country at 120 lbs per @MatScouts1… This is such a great addition!
Smith was a 2023 Pennsylvania State Champion and finished 4th & 3rd as an underclassman. He holds… pic.twitter.com/tj2AWb4SoR
— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) January 10, 2024
Rutgers is currently 7-1 on the season. Over the weekend, Goodale’s team beat No. 20 UPenn on the road and then Rider at home.
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This weekend, they host No. 21 Indiana for their Big Ten opener on Friday at Jersey Mike’s Arena. On Sunday, they wrestle at Purdue.