𝗡𝗼. 𝟭 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀 Wigan warriors 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗲, 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗦𝗨……

No. 1 Player in America Commits to Wigan Warriors Over Tennessee, Florida Gators, and LSU

In a groundbreaking decision that has sent shockwaves through both the rugby and college football worlds, the No. 1 high school athlete in America, Jayden Rucker, has committed to play professional rugby with the Wigan Warriors in England, turning down full scholarship offers from college football powerhouses Tennessee, the Florida Gators, and LSU.

Rucker, a 6’2”, 220-pound phenom from Dallas, Texas, has been a standout two-sport athlete at the national level. As a five-star linebacker and running back, he was the crown jewel of the 2025 football recruiting class. He was expected to make waves in the SEC, a conference known for producing NFL-caliber talent. However, in an unprecedented move, Rucker announced via social media and ESPN that he would bypass the NCAA and American football altogether, signing a professional contract with one of rugby league’s most prestigious clubs—the Wigan Warriors in England’s Betfred Super League.

A Bold New Era for American Athletes

“I’ve always wanted to play a sport where I could represent something bigger than myself and play at the highest level right away,” Rucker said during his announcement. “The Wigan Warriors gave me that chance—not just to be part of a team, but a legacy.”

This decision has sparked intense discussion across the sports world. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money transforming college athletics, most top-tier American athletes have stuck with traditional routes through the NCAA system. Rucker’s choice to skip college and sign overseas is not only rare—it’s historic. It marks the first time a U.S. high school football No. 1 recruit has opted to play professional rugby instead of college football.

According to his agent, Rucker’s multi-year deal with Wigan is valued at approximately $2 million, including performance bonuses and international endorsement opportunities. Wigan Warriors officials confirmed the signing and expressed excitement at bringing in an athlete of his caliber.

“Jayden is not only a world-class athlete, but he’s also a fierce competitor and a student of the game,” said Wigan head coach Matt Peet. “He’s the kind of player who can change the sport—not just for us in England, but worldwide.”

Turning Down the Titans of College Football

The list of programs that lost out on Rucker reads like a who’s who of college football royalty. Tennessee’s coaching staff had built their defensive recruiting strategy around him. Florida had rolled out a red carpet, including a stadium presentation and an endorsement pitch valued in the high six figures. LSU, famous for producing defensive legends, saw Rucker as a future anchor for their linebacker corps.

Each program reportedly offered NIL packages between $750,000 and $1 million, but Rucker wasn’t swayed.

“It was never just about money,” he said. “I want to challenge myself in a way that’s never been done before. Rugby is a global sport, and I want to be a global athlete.”

The Global Shift in Talent

Rucker’s commitment is already being called a potential turning point for American athletes considering non-traditional paths. His decision shines a spotlight on rugby as a viable, lucrative, and competitive alternative to American football—especially for multi-talented athletes seeking early professional experience and international exposure.

Former NFL linebacker Nate Ebner, who played for the New England Patriots and later joined Team USA Rugby, applauded the move. “What Jayden is doing is bold—and brilliant. Rugby develops toughness, vision, and leadership like no other sport.”

The Wigan Warriors, who have won 22 league championships and four World Club Challenges, are one of the oldest and most successful rugby league teams in history. With Rucker’s signing, they may also become a new pipeline for elite American talent.

As for Rucker, he’s set to move to the UK in July and begin training with Wigan ahead of the 2025 Super League season.

“I’m ready to write the next chapter,” he said. “And it starts in Wigan.”

Would you like a visual graphic of Rucker’s career path or a side-by-side of his offers?