Lions247: A Penn State athletics Podcast Recruiting analyst Brian Dohn breaks down Penn State football commitment spree, class growth
May 23, 2025
Brian Dohn, a national recruiting analyst at 247Sports, dives into Penn State football's recent surge in commitments. He unpacks the promising 2026 class, with key prospects like five-star Joey O'Brien and emerging star Davion Brown. The potential impact of new recruits such as Matthew Lama and Terry Wiggins is explored, alongside the challenges posed by NIL deals and coaching changes. Dohn also discusses the competitive landscape against rival schools and how rising expectations influence recruitment strategies for the Nittany Lions.
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Penn State Recruiting Growth
- Penn State's 2026 recruiting class has expanded quickly to 17 commitments, reflecting the program's strategy in the new 105-player roster landscape.
- Official visits and key prospects like Joey O'Brien and Kari Adams show Penn State's strong position but evolving challenges in recruiting.
Challenging Two-Way Roles
- Joey O'Brien is touted as a potential two-way player, though playing both offense and defense at a high level is very challenging.
- Penn State is emphasizing development but acknowledges the rarity of dual-role success like Travis Hunter's.
Recruiting Complexity in NIL Era
- Recruiting decisions now weigh development potential and NFL track record versus immediate benefits like NIL offers.
- Kari Adams currently favors Penn State for development and familiarity but could be swayed by more lucrative offers from other programs.