Penn State football’s first Class of 2025 commitment announced his de-comittment Tuesday.
Jaelyne Matthews, a four-star offensive tackle from New Jersey’s Tom’s River North High School, had been committed since January.
The 6-foot-7, 295-pounder is the No. 1 overall player in New Jersey. He’s also No. 71 in the country and the ninth-ranked offensive tackle in the 2025 Class according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Matthews has also spent time playing defense. He ended his freshman season in 20-21 with 45 tackles (five for loss), two sacks and a recovered fumble. He continued to blossom as a sophomore. Now, Matthews is one of the top-rated offensive linemen in his Class.
In his tweeted “Decomittment Statement,” Matthews said it was a “difficult decision” and he has “the utmost respect for the university, its coaches, and the entire Penn State community.”
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaching staff, faculty, and fans at Penn State for their unwavering support and belief in me,” Matthews wrote. “The recruiting process has been an incredible journey, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity that Penn State offered me.”
Respect my decision 🙏@RivalsFriedman @RivalsRichie pic.twitter.com/0BijpDP4XY
— Jaelyne Matthews (@JaelyneMatthew3) September 12, 2023
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.The statement goes on to read that Matthews made this decision after “much reflection and discussion with my family and mentors.”
“I believe it is in my best interest to explore other options for my academic and athletic future,” Matthews wrote. “This decision was not made lightly, and it comes after countless hours of thought and contemplation.”
Matthews ended the statement by thanking “everyone at Penn State” for their “support and understanding.”
NSN talked with Matthews this past May, and he said “Whatever God has for me is for me.”
“Whatever he has in store for me, that’s where I’ll be,” he said.
Penn State’s ’25 class is now down to two: Four-star RB Kiandrea Barker (The Woodlands, Texas) and three-star DB Omari Gaines (Newark, New Jersey).
