Penn State recruiting: What holes still need to be filled?

James Franklin and Penn State are on a recruiting heater. But what more can Franklin and his coaching staff add to the Nittany Lions’ 2025 recruiting class?

Penn State’s recruiting run has been mightily impressive. The Nittany Lions have secured verbal commitments from eight prospects in the 2025 cycle in the last two weeks. Six of those eight prospects have four-star ratings from on3, and they’ve all been at positions of need.

Most recently, Jeff Exinor became the second wide receiver in Penn State’s class last Friday. Jayden Woods, Max Granville and Cortez Harris were big additions at edge rusher. Jahmir Joseph, Antonio Branch Jr. and Braswell Thomas bolster the secondary. And Imhotep running back Jabree Wallace-Coleman was a direct replacement for Auburn flip Alvin Henderson.

Penn State has 20 verbal commits in its 2025 class, which ranks No. 8 nationally by 247 Sports. The Nittany Lions have a quarterback in Bekkem Kritza. They have three tailbacks, three offensive linemen, three defensive ends and four defensive backs. It’s a strong group.

But Franklin and his staff aren’t done yet. They’re still looking to bring a few more high-end prospects into the 2025 class before turning their full attention to the 2026 cycle. Let’s take a look at a few positions the Nittany Lions still could be targeting in the 2025 class.

Defensive tackle

A few weeks ago, it looked like the Nittany Lions were off to a slow start recruiting edge rushers. Harris, Granville and Woods committing in quick succession quelled any concerns. But Barnes and Penn State have work to do on the interior.

The Nittany Lions don’t have a 2025 defensive tackle commit. It might not be as big of a worry as it could’ve been if they didn’t recruit the interior well last cycle. They signed three defensive tackles — Liam Andrews, T.A. Cunningham and DeAndre Cook — in their 2024 class.

Still, there are a couple of top targets on the interior in the 2025 cycle. Randy Adirika and Jarquez Carter are a pair of four-star defensive tackles Penn State would love to have. Adirika is being heavily pursued by Miami; Carter is a priority for Florida. But the Sunshine State natives have visited Penn State and know the Nittany Lions are interested.

Linebacker

Penn State has had two prospects recently renege on their commitments and flip elsewhere: Henderson as well as New Jersey four-star D.J. McClary, who committed to Rutgers. McClary’s decision left the Nittany Lions with two linebackers in their 2025 class: Latrobe’s Alex Tatsch and Imani Christian’s Dayshaun Burnett.

However, Burnett, a rangy 6-foot-3, 215-pounder, also could play defensive end at the next level. If Penn State opts to use him off the edge, that leaves only Tatsch as a true linebacker.

It’s not a dire issue. Penn State signed two linebackers in the 2024 cycle (Anthony Speca, Kari Jackson). And under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, a 4-2-5 scheme, using only two linebackers, will be featured more prominently in Happy Valley. But if there’s a linebacker out there Penn State likes, don’t be surprised if it adds another to the 2025 class.

Wide receiver

Even with two wide receivers already in the fold, this is probably the biggest remaining need in the 2025 cycle. Everyone saw the Nittany Lions’ receivers struggle to create separation and produce for Drew Allar and the offense last year. Getting as much talent in the door is the easiest way to avoid something like that happening again in the future.

Corey Simms and Matthew Outten, receivers the Nittany Lions hosted and were interested in, recently committed to USC and Virginia Tech, respectively. But Susquehanna Township speedster Lex Cyrus is still on the board. So are Taz Williams Jr. and Samari Reed, a pair of out-of-state four-star receivers Penn State hosted in June.

Exinor was a big pickup a few days ago, joining New York three-star Lyrick Samuel. But expect Penn State to press for two or, preferably, three more receivers in the 2025 cycle.