Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ has been one of the most heavily recruited running backs in the Super Conference, and his recruitment drew serious attention from major programs — including North Carolina. However, despite the national interest, Calhoun chose a different path, announcing his commitment to Harvard.

This move also marks Harvard’s second Super Conference commitment, joining St. Joe’s Regional playmaker Nate Bailey Nate Bailey 5'8" | 175 lbs | ATH St. Joseph Regional | 2026 State NJ . And for good reason. Calhoun brings a complete skill set: solid top-end speed, excellent contact balance, and sharp vision that allows him to consistently create yards after contact. He runs with patience and power, traits that translate well to the college level.

When asked why he ultimately chose Harvard, Calhoun pointed to several key factors. First, he developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff — a connection that clearly mattered. Additionally, Harvard offers him the chance to earn his degree in three years, opening the door for him to develop physically, grow as a player, and then potentially transfer to a Power Four program as a graduate student with two years of eligibility remaining.

This model has become increasingly common in Ivy League recruiting. Recruits use the academic advantage to secure a degree early, then enter the transfer portal and pursue opportunities at higher-profile programs. Calhoun sees this as a smart long-term path, one that balances academics, development, and future competitive opportunities.

Ultimately, Calhoun’s commitment gives him the chance to secure an elite education while continuing to grow as a running back. And for Harvard, landing another Super Conference standout only strengthens its foothold in New Jersey recruiting.

Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ backed up his status as Prep Red Zone’s top running back in the 2026 class. From the opening drive, he set the tone with his physicality. He consistently gained yards after contact, dragging defenders and carrying them downfield. Calhoun also flashed big-play ability, ripping off chunk runs that flipped field position. His patience and vision stood out, as he let blocks develop before bursting through lanes. He capped off his night with a rushing touchdown and was the engine of Bergen Catholic’s ground attack. Against Winslow, Calhoun proved once again that he’s the kind of back who can take over a game. He finished the game with 154 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ is already one of the most polished backs in New Jersey. The top-rated back in the 2026 class, he blends vision, balance, and burst with the ability to break off chunk plays at any time. While he shared carries last season with Army commit Dante Kain Dante Kain 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ , Najee is now stepping into the lead role at Bergen Catholic. With a heavier workload and Bergen’s strong offensive line paving the way, Calhoun has a real shot to explode. His home run ability makes him a legitimate candidate to lead the state in rushing yards per game this fall.

Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ earns the title of Best Closer for a reason. In his first season as Bergen Catholic’s full-time running back after transferring from Donovan Catholic, he delivered in the most significant moments. Rushing for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns, he played a key role in Bergen’s dominance. But when the Crusaders found themselves in tight games, Calhoun proved why he’s special.

His regular-season showdown against St. Joe’s Regional stands out. When Bergen needed him most, he showcased his power, vision, and breakaway speed to seal the win. His ability to force missed tackles and create explosive plays at his size made him a difference-maker down the stretch.

The move from Donovan to Bergen put a bigger spotlight on his talent, and he rose to the occasion. He’s firmly in the conversation as the top back in New Jersey. His stock continues to increase, especially after North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick visited and extended an offer. No matter the situation, Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ is a player you trust to close out games.

” It was an incredible experience just to have a conversation with him. He’s very knowledgeable, direct, and humble.

He said they enjoyed analyzing my film and stated If you want to be in the NFL this is the place to be.”

Stepping right into the lead back position for the top team in the state, Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ did not skip a beat and continued his dominance on the ground against even stronger opponents. After transferring from Donovan Catholic, Najee made an immediate impact for Bergen Catholic and helped them earn their fourth straight state championship. Najee is a patient running back with surreal vision. He can put a defense in a bind just by taking his time through the hole, allowing the play to develop, and finding his way to the open space. Things get even more exciting once Najee gets into the open field. He can be crafty with his movement, with the quickness to make guys miss between the tackles but also has the acceleration to cut across the field and leave the defenders behind him. Najee did this plenty of times in 2024, as he ran for 1294 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Crusaders.

There is a lot of promise with Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ , and a player like him gives Bergen Catholic hope to repeat for a fifth year in a row. Najee has already received a few offers over the past few months from prominent programs such as BC, Duke, Syracuse, and WVU, but there are plenty more heading his way if he continues playing like he has.

Capping off – arguably – the best season of his career with a state championship Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ was the game’s leader in yards from scrimmage with 18 carries for 112 yards. In producing a 220/1294/13 season on the ground, the import from South Jersey proved his case for the state’s top running back as he competed against the very best competition our state has to offer.

With one more season to play next year, Calhoun already has career numbers of 481/2944/39. Expect those numbers to explode next year as he prepares for his last dance in the fall.

Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ led Bergen Catholic’s rushing attack in a thrilling overtime win against St. Joe’s Regional. He carried the ball 19 times for 107 yards and a touchdown, with his game-winning score sealing the victory. Najee’s impact was undeniable, showcasing his blend of speed, physicality, and red-zone efficiency. His transition from Donovan Catholic to Bergen Catholic has been seamless, and this game highlighted his ability to be a difference-maker on the biggest stage. Calhoun’s performance was pivotal in propelling Bergen Catholic to the win and advancing to the state finals.

Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ again proved he’s Bergen Catholic’s go-to closer. Building off his momentum from last week, he delivered a consistent performance right from the start. But in the fourth quarter, he showed why he was invaluable to Bergen Catholic’s offense. Grinding out formidable five to six-yard gains, he wore down St. Joe’s defense. Then, he sealed the game with a 20-plus yard run, putting Bergen Catholic at the goal line. With the defense on its heels, Najee capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown, giving Bergen a comfortable lead. In back-to-back weeks, Calhoun has proven he’s the finisher Bergen Catholic needs when the game’s on the line.

Najee Calhoun Najee Calhoun 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Bergen Catholic | 2026 State NJ started slowly, with Bergen Catholic’s offensive line adjusting to Delbarton’s defensive schemes in the first half. But in the second half, Calhoun came alive, breaking off a series of explosive runs that showcased his speed, physicality, and impressive contact balance. He found the end zone twice, delivering back-to-back touchdowns that made it difficult for Delbarton to gain momentum, particularly on offense. Calhoun’s second-half performance ignited Bergen Catholic’s offensive explosion, cementing his role as a critical contributor to their dominant finish. He finished with 13 carries, 97 yards, and two touchdowns.