HOYA SAXA! 2026 Forward Justin Caldwell Commits to Georgetown Hoyas

Cooley, Battle pull size and versatility out of North Carolina

Some promising news for the future arrived for your Georgetown Hoyas on the first day of August, as the program secured its first commitment in the Class of 2026. Justin Caldwell, a highly-touted 6’9” forward from North Carolina, announced his commitment to Head Coach Ed Cooley and his staff, providing a significant building block for the program’s long-term vision. Caldwell had an official visit to campus recently.

Caldwell, a 6-foot-9 power forward, is set to begin his senior year at Fayetteville Academy this fall. He chose Georgetown over a strong list of suitors that included Maryland, NC State, and Mississippi State. His commitment marks a successful effort for the Hoyas in a talent-rich state, demonstrating the staff’s expanding reach. For a program looking to re-establish its national recruiting footing, locking in a foundational piece like Caldwell is a welcome sign of stability and direction.

Recruiting services hold Caldwell in high regard. 247Sports ranks him as a four-star prospect and the No. 148 player in the country for his class. Rivals rates him as the No. 123 overall recruit, the No. 18 power forward, and the third-best player in North Carolina—usually an ACC target.

Caldwell reportedly missed some time due to an ankle injury last season. Still. these rankings confirm what many observers in the Southeast have seen: Caldwell is a player with considerable potential.

A look at Caldwell’s on-court profile reveals a player who seems tailor-made for the brand of basketball many of the Georgetown faithful have wanted to see return to the District. Reports from his time in North Carolina consistently point to his physicality and toughness.

Phenom Hoops described him as a “strong, physically overwhelming big man” who “bullies opponents down in the paint” and “attacks the glass extremely well.”

With a reported 7-foot-1 wingspan, Caldwell possesses the physical tools to be a force on defense and on the boards. His AAU statistics with the Washington Warriors this summer, where he averaged 13.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, showcase a productive motor against top competition. He is noted as an elite rebounder and a developing rim protector, attributes that are always at a premium.

While his strength is his interior presence, Caldwell is not limited to playing with his back to the basket. He described his own game to On3.com as that of a “versatile forward who plays strong around the rim and is able to stretch the floor.” He added, “I play with energy and toughness everytime I step on the floor!”

For Georgetown fans who have followed Cooley’s career, this type of player profile should sound familiar. ESPN analyst Paul Biancardi noted that Caldwell will bring Georgetown “toughness, inside scoring and a ruggedness on the glass reminiscent of a Cooley’s players from Providence.”

This commitment reaffirms that Cooley and his staff are actively recruiting to a specific identity—one built on strength, effort, and physicality.

Beyond the box score and scouting reports, Caldwell’s reasons for choosing the Hoyas echoes the high praise about the culture the coaching staff is building. In his commitment interviews, the decision apparently came down to relationships and vision.

“I chose Georgetown because it felt like home,” Caldwell said. “The tradition, the vision for the program, and the way they believe in me really stood out. It’s a place where I can grow on and off the court.”

That trust was built through consistent effort from the coaching staff. Caldwell pointed specifically to the work of Coach Cooley and associate head coach Jeff Battle. “Coach Cooley’s leadership and track record speak for themselves, and Coach Battle has built a strong, honest relationship with me from the start,” Caldwell explained.

“Georgetown felt like the right fit—a place where I can grow, be challenged, and help bring success to the program.” Hoyas fans have heard for years about the importance of recruiting, and this appears to be a case where a genuine, sustained effort paid off.

It is important to maintain perspective. Justin Caldwell will not be stepping onto the court at Capital One Arena this season. He is a big piece of a larger puzzle, a commitment for a future roster. His journey has seen him move from Trinity Christian to Berean Baptist Academy and now to Fayetteville Academy for his final high school season, showing a young man navigating the path to collegiate basketball, with goals to play beyond. His development over the next year will be something for fans to monitor.

Still, this commitment feels like more than just a single recruit. It is the first stake in the ground for the 2026 class. It is a win on the recruiting trail against respected regional programs.

It is an endorsement from a sought-after player who believes in the direction Ed Cooley, Jeff Battle, and the staff are is taking the Georgetown program. It is another reason for cautious optimism to grow on the Hilltop.

Welcome, Justin! Hoya Saxa!