Tech Men’s Basketball adds RJ Young to 2026 Signing Class
Tennessee Tech men’s basketball has announced the addition of RJ Young to the 2026 Class.
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech men's basketball has announced the addition of RJ Young to the 2026 Class.
RJ Young signs with the Golden Eagles as the second member of the 2026 Class, joining guard Lance Barnes. Young is a versatile forward who can play on the perimeter as well as inside. He committed to Tennessee Tech on Sept. 19.
"We are so excited to have RJ, and his family join our program. On the court, he is an incredibly versatile talent who we envision playing multiple positions and roles for us on both ends of the floor." Said Head Coach John Pelphrey. "RJ has demonstrated that he knows how to affect winning on any team he has been associated with, and we expect him to bring those attributes to our team. He is a truly special player and we cannot wait to get him in the purple and gold."
Young is a member of the Bryant High School basketball team that won the Arkansas 6A Central State Championship in 2025 under Head Coach Mike Abrahamson.
Coach Abrahamson, "Tech is getting a big-time winner in RJ (Young)! His game develops more every year to accompany his relentless motor. He can shoot, drive, pass, defend, and rebound, but my favorite attributes of RJ's are his IQ and Coachability. He has been a joy to coach, and I am so excited for his future."
Young averaged 20.6 points per game, grabbed 7.8 rebounds a game, and made 2.0 steals per game during his junior season.
Over his outstanding high school career, he earned 6A Central All-State in (2024-25), All-Conference (2024-25), All-Defensive Team (2025), All-State Tournament Team (2025), and three-point wonder of the year. Young made the most blocks, most steals, leading scorer, rebounder of the year, Defensive Player of the Year, and MVP in 2025.
Young was a member of the 23-9 overall and 10-2 in conference team that finished No. 3 in the state of Arkansas in 2024. In his sophomore season (2023), Bryant went 29-4 overall and 11-1 in conference, finishing No. 2 in the state. Young has earned player of the game 11 times over two seasons on varsity.
Young was born in Mabelvale, Arkansas, and intends to major in Physical Therapy.
