The Penn State Nittany Lions continue to build a strong recruiting foundation for the 2026 college football season, currently holding the No. 8 recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports’ latest rankings. Head coach James Franklin and his staff have successfully secured eight commitments for the upcoming class, including standout four-star safety Matt Sieg.
Penn State Loses Out on Elite Safety to Rival
One of Penn State’s top defensive targets, four-star safety, officially committed to the Clemson Tigers, dealing a blow to James Franklin’s recruiting efforts. He is a highly regarded 6-foot-2 safety from Lewis Center, Ohio, had been heavily recruited by Penn State safeties coach Anthony Poindexter and was considered a priority for the Nittany Lions’ 2026 class.
Ranked as the No. 7 player in Ohio and the No. 15 safety in the nation, according to 247Sports, He was a sought-after prospect. His decision to join Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers came after serious interest from Penn State and several other top programs. He had already made two unofficial visits to Happy Valley in November 2024 and was scheduled for an official visit with Penn State on June 12, 2025.
Instead, Kaden Gebhardt opted to join Clemson, marking yet another major recruiting victory for Swinney’s program. The Tigers’ 2026 recruiting class now sits at No. 2 nationally, trailing only Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans.
Penn State’s Recruiting Strengths & Challenges
While Gebhardt’s decision is undoubtedly a setback, Penn State’s recruiting class remains strong, with a core of highly rated commitments already in place. The Nittany Lions have built a reputation for developing elite defensive backs, and their recruitment of four-star safety Matt Sieg is an example of their ability to attract top-tier talent.
Despite losing out on Gebhardt, James Franklin’s program remains aggressive in recruiting, continuing to pursue elite prospects to round out the class. The Nittany Lions’ coaching staff will likely shift its focus to alternative safety targets in an effort to bolster the secondary for future seasons.
A Look Ahead: Penn State’s Upcoming Season
Penn State is coming off a successful 2024 campaign, where the team reached the College Football Playoff semifinals before falling to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. The Nittany Lions put together an impressive season, solidifying themselves as a top-tier program in the national landscape.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season will begin with a highly anticipated season-opener against the Nevada Wolf Pack on August 30. With a strong returning roster and new recruits on the way, Penn State will aim to make another deep postseason run.
While the missed opportunity with Kaden Gebhardt stings, James Franklin and his staff remain committed to building a championship-caliber program, ensuring that Penn State remains one of the top destinations for elite college football recruits.
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