As the weather warms up, so does Penn State Football’s recruiting efforts. After the exciting January Junior Days and the conclusion of the 2025 recruiting cycle in February, March signals the start of a more intense recruitment period. Here are seven crucial recruits for James Franklin and his staff. Penn State needs to secure at least five of these players to build a top-tier class.
7. Kaden Gebhardt (LB/SAF, Olentangy High School, OH)
Gebhardt, from Olentangy High School near Ohio State, is a versatile athlete who could play either linebacker or safety. He’s familiar with Penn State through quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, a former teammate. Though he has visits scheduled with Penn State, Ohio State, and Clemson, Clemson currently seems to have the upper hand. However, Gebhardt’s recruitment could shift after those visits.
6. Luke Wafle (DL, Hun School, NJ)
A 6-foot-5 edge rusher from New Jersey, Wafle is a rising star who moved up to No. 19 in ON3’s rankings. Penn State has an edge due to his brother, Owen, transferring to Penn State in January. This family connection could be pivotal in landing Luke, and Penn State hopes to recruit him alongside Daniel Jennings for a strong edge rusher class.
5. Carter Meadows (DL, Gonzaga College High School, DC)
Meadows, a dual-sport athlete, is climbing the rankings and could become a five-star prospect. He attended the same high school as former Penn State player Olu Fashanu. Given his talent and proximity to Penn State, the staff has made him a priority, but he’s also likely to attract NIL offers from other top programs.
4. Messiah Hampton (WR, James Monroe High School, NY)
Hampton is a dynamic wide receiver known for his speed. He’s yet to schedule an official visit with Penn State, but his interest in schools like Miami, Oregon, Ohio State, and USC is evident. After the loss of Jerquaden Guilford’s commitment, landing Hampton would be a major win for the Nittany Lions.
3. Alex Haskell (DL, St. Joe’s Prep High School, PA)
Haskell is one of the top players at St. Joe’s Prep, one of the most prestigious high schools in Pennsylvania. Despite limited public activity, Haskell’s underrated talent makes him a key target for Penn State. Securing Haskell would also help the Nittany Lions build stronger ties with St. Joe’s Prep, a school from which they’ve historically struggled to recruit.
2. Khary Adams (CB, Loyola Blakefield High School, MD)
Adams, a top cornerback prospect, has official visits lined up with several programs, including Oregon, Auburn, USC, South Carolina, Notre Dame, and Penn State. Despite Penn State’s geographical advantage, NIL offers from other schools could complicate his decision. The Nittany Lions need to secure him to avoid a repeat of past recruiting missteps.
1. Joey O’Brien (SAF, La Salle College High School, PA)
O’Brien, the most important recruit for Penn State in the 2026 class, is a four-star safety with elite athleticism. Ranked in the top 100 of the 247Sports Composite, he’s scheduled official visits with several schools, including Oregon, Clemson, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Penn State. His visit to Happy Valley is set for mid-May, and landing him is crucial for the success of the 2026 class. If Penn State fails to secure O’Brien, it could dampen the class’s overall potential.
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