Local three-star WR Jayden Kitchens commits to Maryland football

Maryland football remained hot on the recruiting trail for the month of July, landing a commitment from Springfield (Va.) The St. James Academy three-star wide receiver Jayden Kitchens, he announced Wednesday.

Kitchens chose the Terps over finalists Cincinnati and Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder took his official visit to Virginia Tech the weekend of June 6, followed by an official visit to Cincinnati the following weekend.

Kitchens took his final official visit to Maryland the weekend of June 20 as assistant coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim led the way in helping seal the deal for the Terps after numerous trips to College Park dating back to last season.

A three-sport athlete who competed in football, basketball and track at Upper Marlboro (Md.) Riverdale Baptist this past school year, Kitchens excelled on the gridiron, hauling in 40 catches for 747 yards and five touchdowns as a junior.

Kitchens will spend his senior season at The St. James Academy after announcing his transfer at the beginning of June.

With the addition of Kitchens, the Terps now sit at 12 total commits for the 2026 class, headlined by the No.1 overall player in the Rivals Industry Ranking, St. Frances five-star EDGE Zion Elee. He becomes the ninth commit from the DMV region and the first wide receiver in the class.