Brady Shust Becomes First 2026 Commitment for Wake Forest Football
Wake Forest has officially kicked off its 2026 recruiting class with a major addition. Brady Shust, a promising tight end from St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey, became the first player in the class to commit to the Demon Deacons. His announcement came just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, marking a significant early milestone for Wake Forest’s recruiting efforts.
Securing the first commitment in a new class can often be the most difficult step, but Shust’s decision provides the program with early momentum as it begins to shape its future roster. The talented tight end is seen as a foundational piece not only for his athletic ability but also for the leadership qualities he brings to the table.
In an interview with Demon Deacon Digest, Shust expressed his excitement and sense of responsibility as the first member of the class. He understands the importance of setting the tone early and hopes his commitment will serve as a catalyst for other highly regarded prospects to follow suit.
“This is really big for me because I have the opportunity to help other guys come to Wake Forest and set the tone for the class of ’26,” said Shust. “If I can help other guys make their decisions easier, I’m 100% open to doing that — just building the strongest class we possibly can.”
Shust’s enthusiasm for Wake Forest extends beyond football. He emphasized the welcoming environment of the coaching staff and the sense of community he experienced during his recruitment. That connection played a critical role in his decision and will likely be a message he shares with other prospects as he becomes more involved in peer recruiting.
As a tight end, Shust brings a unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill that fits well into Wake Forest’s offensive system. At 6-foot-4 and weighing around 225 pounds, he is a versatile weapon who can contribute as both a pass-catcher and blocker. His ability to create mismatches in the passing game and provide support in the running game makes him a valuable addition to the Demon Deacons’ future offense.
Wake Forest has consistently used the tight end position creatively in recent years, and Shust’s skill set fits that mold perfectly. His commitment gives the coaching staff a dynamic option to build around, especially as they look to maintain balance and flexibility in their offensive schemes.
In today’s college football recruiting landscape, early commitments carry additional weight. Not only do they help programs build relationships and chemistry within a recruiting class, but they also provide a spark that can generate buzz and attract more attention from other top prospects. With Shust on board, Wake Forest can now point to a high-character, high-upside player as the face of its 2026 class.
The impact of an early pledge like Shust’s goes beyond just on-field potential. He has already expressed a willingness to be vocal in recruiting other players and playing a leadership role in shaping the identity of the class. That type of initiative is rare and invaluable when it comes to developing a unified and motivated group of young talent.
As recruiting activity heats up during the summer months, all eyes will be on Wake Forest to see how they continue to build around their first commit. With Shust’s early commitment, the Demon Deacons have made a strong statement about their plans for the future.
If all goes according to plan, Brady Shust may not only be remembered as the first domino to fall in the 2026 class—but also as one of the key building blocks of a highly successful recruiting cycle for Wake Forest.
Leave a Reply