James Franklin and his coaching staff have been active on the recruiting front, shifting their focus to future classes while continuing to build the current 2025 group, which stands at 22 commitments and ranks 16th nationally. Recently, Penn State added three-star defensive lineman Yvan Kemajou for the 2025 class, but they also secured three commitments for 2026 and one for 2027.
On Saturday, July 27, Penn State welcomed a key recruit for the 2026 class in four-star offensive tackle Kevin Brown, who is ranked as the top player in Pennsylvania and the fifth-best offensive tackle in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite. That same day, they also gained a commitment from three-star wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers from Delaware.
With the addition of Brown and Rogers to quarterback Troy Huhn and four-star athlete Messiah Mickens, the foundation of the class is taking shape. Then, on Wednesday, four-star edge Daniel Jennings from Princeton, West Virginia, announced his commitment, followed by three-star wide receiver Lavar Keys from Hyattsville, Maryland, who joined the class on Friday.
Although it’s early in the recruiting cycle, these six players have positioned Penn State’s 2026 class at the top of national rankings. Franklin and wide receivers coach Marques Hagans have faced challenges in securing dynamic playmakers in the 2024 and 2025 classes, prompting a strategy shift toward identifying rising talent for future classes to strengthen that position.
In a noteworthy move, Kemon Spell, a talented running back from McKeesport, PA, committed to Penn State ahead of his sophomore season. Spell joins fellow WPIAL running back Quinton Martin Jr. from Belle Vernon, who made an impressive debut during the Blue-White Game this spring, along with 2025 recruit Tiqwai Hayes from Aliquippa.
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