Harrisburg junior lineman Kevin Brown, state's top prospect, commits to Penn State

Harrisburg junior offensive tackle Kevin Brown holds an offer from just about every major college football program in the country.

So what was it that set Penn State apart from the rest of his deep and decorated list of offering schools?

It was simple: trust.

That trust and belief in the Nittany Lions’ message allowed Brown, the No. 1 ranked Pennsylvania prospect in the Class of 2026, to commit on the spot to James Franklin’s program at this weekend’s Lasch Bash barbecue in Happy Valley.

“Their recruiting was just different,” the 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive lineman said. “They were just so open and honest. And what really sold me was talking to a bunch of recruits, a bunch of players there.”

“Even the third-stringers… what they said was just awesome. They love their coaches.”

Brown first earned an offer from Penn State on Dec. 2, 2022, and held offers from schools like Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Notre Dame and Miami before making the announcement on X on Saturday.

“It’s a testament to their recruiting,” Brown said. “James Franklin, he’s super honest and direct. I love that about him. He’s the best coach in college football.”

The junior, who ranks No. 35 overall on Rivals.com’s Top 250 rankings in the Class of 2026, said PSU 2024 offensive line commit Garrett Sexton’s testimony to why he decided on the Nittany Lions was influential in making the call this week.

Brown also noted the relationship he’s developed with offensive line coach Phil Trautwein as a key factor to his decision.

“You’ve got to build a huge relationship with your position coach… And I love Trautwein. He’s awesome,” Brown said. “He’s just so honest. He’s very direct. He’ll tell you what you need to hear, even though you don’t want to hear it. And it’s awesome.”

He joins his Harrisburg teammate, running back Messiah Mickens, as Penn State pledges in the class of 2026, as he looks forward to building chemistry with the back as Cougars in 2024.

“I’m absolutely ready (to develop a rapport with Mickens),” Brown said. “I can’t wait to play with him in these next two years, next six years, actually.”

Brown, whose father Tim played at West Virginia and for the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, hopes this choice is the next milestone in a journey that eventually leads to the pinnacle of the sport.

“You’ve gotta have a goal in mind to succeed,” Brown said. “So yeah, my goal at the end of the day is to make it to the NFL and succeed. But Penn State’s one of the best schools for education, and they set you up good, man.”

But beyond all the reasons for the decision, he’s just excited to be finished with the process and on the verge of returning to Severance Field for his last two years of high school ball.

“I’m done with this recruitment process,” Brown said. “It’s a lot.”