Penn State to ‘Compete’ for Top 2025 Recruit in Pennsylvania

Penn State football, under the leadership of James Franklin, had another successful National Signing Day for the 2024 cycle. The Nittany Lions recruited some of the top prospects in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the top recruit in Pennsylvania, Quinton Martin. This marks the third consecutive year that Penn State has signed the top player from the Keystone State. However, the mantra “the best in PA, stay in PA,” may be threatened by Zahir Mathis, the state’s top player in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Penn State’s Commitment to Local Recruitment

During National Signing Day, Franklin emphasized his commitment to recruiting the region and confidently stated that Mathis will ultimately join the Nittany Lions.

Highlights of the 2024 Recruiting Cycle

Penn State football finished the 2024 recruiting cycle with a top-15 class. The standout recruit is Quinton Martin, a dynamic athlete from Belle Vernon, who amassed over 3,500 total yards and 55 touchdowns in the last two seasons.

Martin’s signing continued a three-year streak of the No. 1 recruit in Pennsylvania choosing Penn State. In the 2023 cycle, Franklin signed five-star offensive tackle J’ven Williams. The 2022 cycle saw the signing of the Gatorade High School Player of the Year, Nicholas Singleton.

Challenges in the 2025 Recruiting Cycle

The streak of signing Pennsylvania’s top recruit is at risk with the 2025 recruiting cycle. Zahir Mathis, a top four-star EDGE rusher from Philadelphia, has been leaning away from Penn State early in his recruitment. Mathis announced his top five list in October, and Penn State football was noticeably absent.

Franklin’s Promise for the 2025 Cycle

Still, all hope is not lost for Penn State to sign Zahir Mathis. On3 still predicts the Nittany Lions as the favorite to sign the top player in Pennsylvania, with Ohio State and South Carolina trailing behind.

Franklin reaffirmed the importance of signing Quinton Martin and other top recruits in the Keystone State during National Signing Day. He even made a pledge about securing the No. 1 recruit in Pennsylvania for the 2025 cycle.

Penn State’s Strategy for Dominating the Region

Penn State football is well-positioned to secure Zahir Mathis. The Nittany Lions’ defensive line coach Deion Barnes has strong ties to Philadelphia and has proven to be an effective young recruiter. The program’s success in developing EDGE rushers could also be a factor. Penn State’s top EDGE rushers in 2023, Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, are projected to be high picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

With the 2024 cycle wrapped up, Franklin also emphasized that Penn State football should be the destination of choice for top recruits in the region.

All five of Penn State’s top signees on National Signing Day are highly-rated talents from states along the eastern seaboard.

As the focus shifts to the 2025 recruiting class, Penn State football currently ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 14th nationally for the cycle, with seven commitments, the most recent of which was made last week.