Three-Star Defensive Tackle Decommits from Rutgers
Three-star 2026 Pennsylvania defensive tackle Tavian Branch decommitted from Rutgers on Friday:
After Branch committed to Rutgers earlier this summer, the Nittany Lions suddenly have a window of opportunity to pursue him. He will visit Penn State this weekend for the FIU game, his ninth time visiting Happy Valley during his recruitment. Branch is the No. 59 defensive
lineman and the No. 15 player from Pennsylvania in the 2026 class.
Four-Star Maryland Cornerback Visits Penn State
Four-star 2027 cornerback Raylaun Henry was in attendance for Saturday’s 46-11 win over Nevada:
Henry included Penn State in his top 6 last week ahead of his visit to Happy Valley. Ohio State is still the favorite to land him, but I will not count out Terry Smith yet.
Penn State Offers 2027 Running Back Prospect
Penn State extended an offer to 2027 four-star running back Xavier Bala on Saturday:
Bala is the No. 22 running back and No. 2 player from New York in the 2027 class on the 247 composite. He was in attendance for Saturday’s win, marking his fourth visit to Happy Valley. With Kemon Spell’s commitment seeming a bit worrisome right now, the Nittany Lions will continue to pursue other top running backs in this class.
Penn State Football Ranks No. 10 in 2025 Talent Composite
Shortly before Week 1’s games kicked off, 247 released its 2025 team talent composite. Penn State ranks No. 10 in this year’s composite, the program’s second appearance in the top 10 in the Franklin era and the first since 2019.
Penn State still struggles to land elite prospects consistently compared to programs like Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, but as we saw on Saturday in Tallahassee, recruiting rankings do not always translate on the field. Michigan was ranked No. 14 in this ranking for its 2023 national championship season. Like that Michigan team, Penn State will lean on its roster continuity and development against more talented teams this year.
