Breaking News: No: Guard in Kentucky Land full Commitment in Virginia Tech Hokies Men’s Basketball after Rejecting $900M Deal from Duke Blues. Go Hokies…

BREAKING NEWS: No. 1 Guard in Kentucky Commits to Virginia Tech Hokies Men’s Basketball After Rejecting Unprecedented $900M Offer from Duke Blue Devils

In a move that’s shaking the foundation of college basketball, Jaylen “J-Roc” Matthews—the No. 1-ranked high school guard in Kentucky and a generational talent—has committed to play for the Virginia Tech Hokies, turning down a staggering $900 million NIL deal from Duke University.

The stunning decision came during a nationally televised announcement at Matthews’ high school gym in Lexington, where fans and media alike waited in anticipation. After thanking his family, coaches, and supporters, Matthews unzipped his jacket to reveal a maroon and orange Virginia Tech jersey, sending the crowd—and the internet—into a frenzy.

“I know what I’m worth, but I also know what I’m about,” Matthews said. “I want to make history. I want to build something that’s never been built before. And that’s why I’m going to be a Hokie.”

The news marks a historic recruiting win for Virginia Tech and head coach Mike Young. Known for developing talent and building a gritty, team-first culture in Blacksburg, Young now adds one of the most electric prospects in the country to his roster.

Matthews, a 6’5” floor general with elite court vision, scoring versatility, and lockdown defense, was heavily pursued by top programs across the nation. Duke, long seen as the frontrunner, reportedly offered an NIL package that included endorsements, stock options, luxury housing, and lifetime brand deals—making it the largest offer ever made to a high school athlete.

But for Matthews, the decision came down to more than money.

“Duke’s great, but I’m not trying to be the next someone else,” he said. “I’m trying to be the first me. Virginia Tech gave me that freedom, that respect, and that belief. That means more than any number you can throw at me.”

Coach Young, speaking after the announcement, called it a turning point for Hokies basketball. “Jaylen is a once-in-a-generation player, but more than that, he’s a leader,” Young said. “He didn’t choose the easy path. He chose to make his own. That’s what being a Hokie is all about.”

The commitment is expected to catapult Virginia Tech into national contention, with analysts already projecting the Hokies as a preseason top-10 team. Matthews is expected to start from day one and will be the face of a program looking to reach its first Final Four in school history.

Fans in Blacksburg are celebrating the news as a program-defining moment. “We’ve waited a long time for this,” said one student. “Jaylen didn’t just choose a school—he chose to change the game.”

As NIL continues to dominate college recruiting, Jaylen Matthews’ bold decision proves that legacy, loyalty, and belief still matter.

Go Hokies.