Penn State reloads on talent with 2025 recruiting class while preparing for Big Ten title game
The Nittany Lions made big signings in the defensive backfield and at wide receiver on National Signing Day.
Penn State locked in 26 commitments in the early National Signing Day on Wednesday.
The Nittany Lions remained in game week preparation ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten championship against Oregon (8 p.m., CBS3), but head coach James Franklin was conducting video calls with the signees throughout the morning.
“One of the things that we take pride in, knock on wood, [is] that we haven’t had a whole lot of drama on signing day,” Franklin said. “Obviously, we’ve been recruiting for a long time and are pleased with the class.”
Composite rankings from 247Sports credits Penn State with 17 four-star recruits and nine three-stars.
Here’s a look at Penn State’s class:
The signees
Cornerback Daryus Dixson, the last to sign, is a four-star from Santa Ana, Calif., and powerhouse Mater Dei High School. He’s one of four corners, including four-star Jahmir Joseph and three-stars Xxavier Thomas and Josh Johnson.
Penn State brought in familiar a name as well in Lavar Arrington Jr., the son of Nittany Lions linebacker great Lavar Arrington. Arrington is a four-star out of Covina, Calif., and is the No. 337 player nationally and No. 28 player in the state.
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Penn State addressed a position of need at wide receiver as well, bringing in Lyrick Samuel, Koby Howard, Matthew Outten, and Jeff Exinor Jr. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, the four-star Exinor has experience at receiver and tight end.
Penn State added 6-foot-5 three-star quarterback Bekkem Kritza. Director of player personnel Kenny Sanders said Kritza “might have the best raw arm talent” he’s seen coming out of high school, despite a lack of reps.