“If you’re a great tight end in the country, and specifically in the state of Pennsylvania, I don’t know how you couldn’t come here,” Franklin said during his weekly press conference on Monday. “There’s just too much history, too much data, and too many things showing that you don’t need to go anywhere else. You can stay at home, get everything you want in terms of your college career, and set yourself up for your future.”
In recruiting news, Kendre Harrison, America’s highest-rated tight end in the Class of 2026, has included Penn State among his finalists.
On Monday evening, Harrison revealed that his final six schools are Penn State, Florida State, Oregon, Miami, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He plans to announce his commitment on November 30.
A 6-foot-7, 243-pound prospect from Reidsville High School in North Carolina, Harrison is ranked as the No. 1 tight end nationally, the No. 2 player in North Carolina, and the No. 9 recruit overall by 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. In addition to football, Harrison is also a talented basketball player and intends to play both sports at his chosen school.
Penn State’s Recruitment of Harrison
Penn State has been tracking Harrison for some time, having extended an offer in December 2022, when he was still a freshman. Since then, Harrison has visited Penn State for the past two White Out games at Beaver Stadium, where the Nittany Lions have impressed. Last season, they dominated Iowa 31-0, and just a couple of weeks ago, Penn State defeated Washington 35-6. These performances likely strengthened the Nittany Lions’ position in his recruitment. However, Penn State faces strong competition for Harrison’s commitment. Oregon and Miami are both contenders for the College Football Playoff, Tennessee remains a potential threat, and North Carolina is the local option. Although Florida State is currently struggling with a 1-9 record, its historic program still carries weight.
Penn State has long been recognized for its strong tradition of tight end development, even before tight ends coach Ty Howle returned to his alma mater. During James Franklin’s first six seasons, Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth emerged as standout players, both now regulars in the NFL. However, under Howle’s guidance, that reputation has only grown stronger.
It began with Brenton Strange, who became a star during the 2021 and 2022 seasons and is now playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Theo Johnson, currently with the New York Giants, was Penn State’s top tight end last season.
Now, it’s Washington’s turn to shine. If you haven’t been paying attention to Penn State football, you might have missed the impact Washington has been making.
Coach James Franklin had a message for top tight end recruits.
“If you’re a great tight end in the country, and specifically in the state of Pennsylvania, I don’t know how you couldn’t come here,” Franklin said during his weekly press conference on Monday. “There’s just too much history, too much data, and too many things showing that you don’t need to go anywhere else. You can stay at home, get everything you want in terms of your college career, and set yourself up for your future.”
Penn State will next face Minnesota at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS.
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