Get to know the Nittany Lions’ 2025 recruiting class

College football’s early signing period marks a busy week for Penn State. Right now, Nittany Lions coach James Franklin and his players are at a crucial point, preparing for Saturday’s game Big Ten Championship Game against Oregon. But Penn State built its success in 2024 primarily through recruiting, particularly contributions from the team’s 2022 class, led by quarterback Drew Allar, running back Nick Singleton and defensive end Abdul Carter.

Penn State is expected to welcome 26 players (and perhaps more) to the 2025 recruiting class in the three-day early signing period that begins Wednesday and is the earliest in NCAA history. Here’s what you should know about the Nittany Lions’ 2025 recruiting class.

Penn State class rankings

Franklin’s class of 2025 has a consensus top-20 ranking among three of the major recruiting sites in On3 (15), rivals (16) and 247Sports (17). At all three locations, the Nittany Lions’ class is behind three Big Ten opponents: Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon. 247Sport Additionally, USC’s class is ranked one spot higher than Penn State’s.

The Nittany Lions’ top recruits

While Penn State’s class lacks a 5-star prospect, there is some top-notch talent. Offensive lineman Malachi Goodman (6-5, 315 pounds) is ranked #46 nationally by On3the highest ranking of all Penn State commitments in 2025 at major recruiting sites.

The 247Sports Compositewhich factors into 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals recruiting rankings, lists 4-star cornerback Daryus Dixson of California as Penn State’s top prospect. Dixson and colleagues 4-star corner Jahmir Joseph Form a duo of top-25 corners designed to bolster the Nittany Lions’ secondary.

Jabree Wallace-Coleman, a 4-star running back, adds intrigue to a 2025 backfield already led by freshmen Quinton Martin Jr., Corey Smith and Cam Wallace. Wallace Coleman, the No. 16 overall running back according to the 247Sports CompositeAccordingly, he ran for 1,585 yards and 28 touchdowns as a high school junior in 2023 MaxPreps.

Other key additions include Ohio pass rusher Chaz Coleman, who is ranked No. 26 at his position according to the 247Sports Compositeand Virginia wide receiver Matthew Outtenwho has a 6-0 build and weighs 200 pounds. Four-star linebacker LaVar Arrington II, the son of the legendary Penn State linebacker LaVar Arringtonis another significant player in Franklin’s 2025 class.