In what could be a program-defining moment, the University of Cleveland has just secured the commitment of 5-star quarterback Jayden “Jet” Wallace, a dynamic signal-caller from Long Beach, California, whose recruitment sent shockwaves through the college football world.
Wallace, widely regarded as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, announced his commitment via a nationally streamed video on Monday afternoon. The announcement comes after months of speculation and a whirlwind recruitment process that included visits to powerhouse programs like Alabama, USC, Georgia, and Ohio State.
But in the end, it was Cleveland — a program often overlooked by the blue-chip elite — that landed one of the most coveted prospects in recent memory.
“Cleveland just felt like home,” Wallace said during his announcement. “The coaches believe in me, the city believes in me, and I want to build something special there.”
A Massive Recruiting Coup for Cleveland
For a program that’s spent years trying to gain national respect, Wallace’s commitment signals a seismic shift.
Under head coach Marcus Tillman, who took the reins three seasons ago, Cleveland has slowly been turning heads. With a gritty defense and an up-tempo offense, the team surged to an 8-4 record last season, earning its first bowl win in over a decade.
Now, with Wallace set to lead the offense in 2026, the buzz surrounding Cleveland is deafening.
“This is more than a commitment — this is a statement,” Coach Tillman said. “Jayden is a once-in-a-generation talent. He makes everyone around him better. We’re building something big in Cleveland, and he’s going to be at the center of it.”
