The headline of the weekend for the Penn State football program was landing a commitment from one of the top juniors in the country.
While attending the Lasch Bash festivities, 2026 4-star offensive tackle Kevin Brown announced his commitment to Penn State.
Brown is from Harrisburg, Pa. and is the No. 1 ranked player from Pennsylvania in the Class of 2026.
Brown is not only a top in-state recruit but he’s one of the top juniors in the country. Rivals.com lists Brown as a 5.9 recruit, the No. 7 offensive tackle and the No. 35 overall player in the Class of 2026.
Kevin Brown
Along with Penn State, Brown held offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Pitt, Rutgers, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Despite only being a junior and having the opportunity to explore many of the top programs in the country, Brown felt it was time to close things down.
“I was no doubt ready after speaking with the current players, 2025 and 2026 commits,” said Brown. “I was just excited. My grandparents were in Coach’s office with me, too and they couldn’t keep back the tears. Penn State has always welcomed my big family (I have 3 other siblings and about 20 cousins) and this time was no different, as there were 14 of us, sitting around with Coach Franklin, Coach Traut, and Coach Ty. It was my Dad, Mom, 14-year old brother Titus, cousins, Elijah and Judah Hernandez; Levi Hanes; and my Grandparents, Kevin and Donna Brown.”
“As far as deciding to make my decision, it was after seeing other schools, talking to my family, and then finally speaking with the current players and commits that all factored into this weekend being the day I knew I couldn’t leave without committing. My Dad really helped me connect those dots.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“I knew Penn State had everything I was looking for but it was after talking to quarterback commit Troy Huhn from California and Wisconsin native, Garrett Sexton, who really helped influence me to not leave Happy Valley without committing.”
Brown’s commitment to the Penn State football program continues a connection that his family has with this storied university.
Kevin Brown
Brown tells NSN that his great grandfather, George Minick, was an accomplished offensive lineman that was actually recruited by Joe Paterno but passed on the opportunity due to family commitments. Kevin’s great uncle’s father, Clarence Gorinski was a member of the 1946 Penn State team.
“My great Aunt Denise Gorinski kept stubs, hats and other memorabilia from that game. Penn State is actually in my blood
Brown will now be able to create a legacy and memories of his own. He wanted to pass along this message to the Penn State football fan base.
“Tell them I’m ready to work and contribute 100% to this program. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I am beyond blessed. We Are!”
Penn State now holds four 2026 commitments, in which all are on the offensive side of the ball: 4-star quarterback Troy Huhn, 4-star running back Messiah Mickens and 3-star Jahsiear Rogers
