Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our sports newsletter here.

Jayden James, a five-star long pole defender, has committed to Syracuse men’s lacrosse, Ty Xanders announced on social media Tuesday. James is the second five-star player to commit to SU this week, joining lefty attack Hansen Peck.

James is Inside Lacrosse’s No. 13 overall recruit in the 2026 recruiting class and the second-highest-rated long pole defender. He currently is a junior at St. John’s College High School, where SU long pole Riley Figueiras attended.

This past spring, James helped St. Johns to a 12-5 record. The Cadets made it to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Finals, falling to Gonzaga 11-10. James also plays club lacrosse for DC Express, one of the premier teams in the Washington, D.C., area.

James is the fourth player to commit to Syracuse in the 2026 class. Four-stars Nick Rayfield and Jayden Rodriguez committed to the Orange on Sept. 6 and 9, respectively, while Peck committed Thursday.