In a year where the February signing period has become largely irrelevant for many college football programs, Penn State stands out due to the efforts of new head coach Matt Campbell. While most schools saw the recent signing period as an afterthought, for Campbell, it was a vital opportunity to build his incoming freshman class.
Penn State only secured two high school recruits during the December signing period, as Campbell had not yet transitioned from Iowa State. This left him with the daunting task of assembling a freshman class while also managing the transfer portal and finalizing his coaching staff. “The last two months has been a whirlwind in a multitude of different ways,” Campbell remarked on Wednesday.
As a result of these efforts, Penn State has welcomed a freshman class of 15 recruits, many of whom originally committed to Iowa State before following Campbell to his new position. After the firing of former head coach James Franklin, several high school seniors who had previously committed to Penn State shifted their allegiance to Virginia Tech in December.
Despite currently ranking in the bottom third of the Big Ten according to composite recruiting rankings from 247Sports, Penn State”s class has significantly improved since December. The Nittany Lions have also added over three dozen transfers, most of whom are transitioning from Iowa State.
One notable addition is edge rusher Elijah Reeder, a former Iowa State recruit, who will join December signee Jackson Ford in enhancing Penn State”s pass-rushing capabilities. Unlike the trend among most major college prospects who finalize their commitments in December, Penn State”s strategy has been unusual, with the majority of its incoming freshman class signed in February.
Among those who remained uncommitted heading into the February signing period was edge rusher Dylan Berymon, who opted to join Nebraska. Ranked as the 223rd prospect nationwide according to the 247Sports Composite, Berymon is noted for his size and power. “Big, powerful, strong kid,” said Tom Loy, a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports. “Just want to continue to see him keep his motor up, keep the weight down, but he”s a guy Nebraska”s very excited about.”
On the same day, Notre Dame made headlines by signing quarterback Teddy Jarrard, who had reclassified from being a 2027 prospect. This move allows Jarrard to join the Fighting Irish this fall and compete for the backup quarterback position behind returning starter CJ Carr. With Kenny Minchey, who was Carr”s backup last season, transferring to Kentucky, the quarterback competition now includes Carr, Jarrard, incoming freshman Noah Grubbs, and Blake Hebert, who did not play as a true freshman this past season. “You look at the size, the frame, the mechanics, there”s a lot to like about Teddy Jarrard,” Loy stated. “I think he”s the most likely next-up option after CJ Carr.”
