One of Penn State coach James Franklin’s biggest goals is the keep the best players in PA at Penn State but it didn’t happen in the case of Joey O’Brien.
O’Brien, a five-star safety from Philadelphia’s La Salle College High School, announced his commitment to Notre Dame Friday night.
This is just the latest in what’s become a pattern of top prospects committing elsewhere.
On Wednesday, in-state OL Grayson McKeogh (LaSalle College High School) announced his commitment to Notre Dame.
The next day, blue-chip DE Luke Wafle announced that he picked USC.
Earlier Friday, four-star DB Khary Adams. who had visited PSU six times, announced his commitment to Notre Dame.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.This would the first time since 2021 that PA’s top player in 247’s rankings didn’t commit to Penn State should O’Brien sign with Notre Dame. But, as we’ve seen before, sometimes, the word “if” is key. For instance, last season, Andrew Olesh, PA’s top prospect, was committed to Michigan before de-committing and signing with Penn State at the end of the early signing period.
There have also been cases where PSU has picked up players later.
PA’s top 2020 player, Julian Fleming, played his first four seasons at Ohio State before ending his college career with Penn State last season.
PA’s top 2021 player, Nolan Rucci, transferred to Wisconsin from Penn State before last season and is now a key part of the offensive line.
The good news for PSU and its fans is that the 2026 Class is still in good shape overall. The group is ranked seventh per 247Sports, and considering it ranked 18th in 2025, that’s a pretty solid improvement.
