Jude Correa is a two-time National Prep champion and is currently ranked as the #5 overall recruit in the class of 2025. We recently spoke with Correa about his recruiting experience, what he’s looking for in a college, and when he plans on making his decision. 

What Stuck Out To Correa About June 15th?

Correa described June 15, the first-day college coaches were able to contact the class of 2025 recruits, in one word “Hectic.” He said he didn’t think he was going to get the number of calls he did that day and he spent almost the entire day on the phone. Despite the long day, Correa said he was still excited to get to know many of the top coaches in the country. 

Correa said most of the conversations revolved around wrestling and what he’s looking for in a college. However, he shared that the conversation that stuck out to him the most was when Assistant Stanford Coach Enock Francois FaceTimed him on June 15th. When he answered, Correa said Francois was by the pool in a robe. In Correa’s words, “I wasn’t expecting that, I thought it was pretty funny.”

Correa A Heavyweight?

While Correa was surprised by Francois’ FaceTime, Correa said he took most coaches by surprise when he shared that he’ll likely be wrestling heavyweight in college. After wrestling last year at 190 pounds, he's currently weighing around 220 and intends on wrestling 215 next year for Wyoming Seminary. Correa grew about 2 inches this past year and could see himself getting up to 250 but the time he enters college. He said most coaches were excited to hear he’s moving up in weight, especially Lehigh Assistant Zach Rey. Correa said Rey told him his offensive style will translate perfectly to heavyweight in college.

Top School List And Visits

Correa shared that it’s too early for him in the recruiting process to have a school list but he intends on scheduling his official visits this Fall. He’s excited to get on different campuses, especially to attend the football games. 

We also spoke with Correa about his approach to the new rule that allows recruits to take as many official visits as they’d like (previously recruits could only take 5 official visits). Correa plans on taking at least 5 official visits but doesn’t plan on taking too many more than that in order to keep the decision-making process simple.

What’s Correa Looking For And When’s The Decision Coming?

The relationship he’s able to build with his coaches and teammates will be the major factor in Correa's college decision. He’s looking for a program that feels like “family” with coaches who will hold him accountable. He wants coaches who have high expectations for him and follow through in holding him to that high standard. Finally, and Jude made this a point of priority in his collegiate decision, Pokemon. Correa loves Pokemon and jokingly said the number of Poke-stops will play a big role in his choice.

Correa doesn’t have an exact date that he wants to make announce his decision but estimates it will come sometime toward the end of his junior year. He said he’d like to get all of his visits in and finish his competitive season before deciding. 

Thoughts On NIL And Advice For The Class Of 2026

Correa shared that NIL opportunities aren’t the primary factor in his college decision but could affect his choice if everything else is equal. He’s excited to explore all of his options with NIL but will ultimately make his college decision based on what school he feels can help him best achieve his goals.

Correa also shared some advice for recruits in the class of 2026. His first piece of advice revolved around setting academics as a major priority in high school. He said taking care of things in the classroom will only open up more opportunities at the next level. He also said it’s important to take your time in the process in order to weigh out all of your options, enjoy the process, and don't stay up until midnight on June 15.

Watch Jude Correa in the 2023 National Prep Finals:

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