James Franklin and his coaching staff have once again demonstrated their recruiting prowess with an exceptional 2025 recruiting class that ranks among the nation's elite. The class of 27 signees has earned consensus top-20 rankings from the major recruiting services, with On3 ranking it 15th, Rivals placing it 16th, and 247Sports listing it 17th nationally. This comprehensive breakdown examines the standout prospects, positional strengths, and long-term impact of Penn State's latest recruiting haul.
Five-Star Excellence
Andrew Olesh - Tight End
The crown jewel of Penn State's 2025 recruiting class is tight end Andrew Olesh, who has earned five-star status from On3 and is rated as the nation's top tight end prospect. Olesh's combination of size, athleticism, and receiving skills makes him an ideal fit for Penn State's offense, which has consistently featured elite tight end production in recent years.
Following in the footsteps of Tyler Warren's historic 2024 season, Olesh arrives in Happy Valley with the physical tools and technical abilities to make an immediate impact. His route-running precision, reliable hands, and ability to create separation against both linebackers and safeties drew comparisons to some of the best tight end prospects in recent recruiting cycles. The fact that Penn State secured his commitment despite intense national competition speaks to the program's reputation for developing elite talent at the position.
Olesh's versatility as both an inline blocker and receiver provides offensive coordinator flexibility in scheme and personnel groupings. His presence should allow Penn State to continue featuring the tight end as a primary weapon in the passing game while maintaining strong run-blocking capabilities. The five-star prospect is expected to compete for playing time immediately and could develop into one of the nation's premier tight ends during his collegiate career.
Malachi Goodman - Offensive Line
Another five-star addition to the 2025 class is offensive lineman Malachi Goodman, who earned five-star status from 247Sports and ranks as a top-20 player nationally. Goodman's elite rating represents a significant recruiting victory for Penn State's offensive line coaches, as securing five-star offensive linemen requires beating out the nation's top programs in head-to-head recruiting battles.
Goodman's physical profile and technical foundation suggest he has the potential to develop into an All-American caliber player. His combination of size, strength, and footwork gives him the versatility to play multiple positions along the offensive line, providing coaching staff with valuable flexibility as they construct depth charts and manage injuries throughout the season.
The development of elite offensive linemen typically requires patience, as the transition from high school to college football is particularly challenging for players in the trenches. However, Goodman's advanced technique and football intelligence suggest he could contribute earlier in his career than many offensive line prospects. His presence in the 2025 class addresses a critical need for the program and ensures the continuation of Penn State's tradition of fielding dominant offensive lines.
Elite Four-Star Prospects
Troy Huhn - Quarterback
Leading the impressive group of four-star prospects is quarterback Troy Huhn from California, who ranks as the No. 11 quarterback in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite. Securing a top-tier quarterback prospect is essential for maintaining championship-level competitiveness, and Huhn's commitment represents a significant win for the program's future.
Huhn's skill set includes strong arm strength, good mobility, and advanced field vision for a high school prospect. His ability to make all the necessary throws at the college level, combined with his decision-making and leadership qualities, made him one of the most sought-after quarterback prospects on the West Coast. The fact that Penn State convinced him to leave California and join the Nittany Lions speaks to the program's national recruiting reach and Franklin's ability to sell his vision for the program.
The quarterback position requires elite talent to compete for championships, and Huhn provides Penn State with a potential franchise signal-caller for the future. His development under Penn State's quarterback coaching staff will be crucial, but his physical tools and mental makeup suggest he has the potential to develop into an elite college quarterback. The addition of Huhn ensures program stability at the most important position on the field.
Daryus Dixson and Jahmir Joseph - Cornerbacks
Penn State's secondary receives a major talent infusion with the additions of four-star cornerbacks Daryus Dixson and Jahmir Joseph, both of whom rank among the nation's top-25 corner prospects. The duo represents one of the strongest cornerback hauls in the nation and addresses a critical need for the program moving forward.
Dixson, listed by 247Sports as Penn State's top overall prospect in the class, brings elite coverage skills and ball skills to Happy Valley. His combination of length, speed, and instincts allows him to excel in both man and zone coverage schemes. The California native's willingness to travel across the country to join Penn State demonstrates the program's ability to recruit elite talent from non-traditional recruiting territories.
Joseph complements Dixson with similar physical attributes and technical abilities, giving defensive coordinator Jim Knowles two blue-chip corners to develop. The cornerback position is increasingly important in modern college football, where spread offenses and elite passing attacks dominate the landscape. Having two top-25 corners in a single recruiting class provides Penn State with the kind of talent necessary to compete with the nation's best passing offenses.
Both Dixson and Joseph are expected to compete for playing time early in their careers, though the development timeline for cornerbacks can vary significantly. Their presence on campus immediately elevates the talent level in the secondary and provides depth at a position where injuries and transfers can quickly deplete quality options.
Positional Depth and Balance
Offensive Balance
Beyond the headline-grabbing five-star prospects, Penn State's 2025 class features excellent balance across offensive position groups. The class includes quality additions at running back, wide receiver, and along the offensive line, ensuring that the program maintains depth and competition at every position.
The offensive line haul, in particular, deserves recognition for both quantity and quality. In addition to five-star Malachi Goodman, the class includes several four-star prospects who project to develop into quality starters. The emphasis on offensive line recruiting reflects Franklin's understanding that championship teams are built from the trenches out, and consistent success requires a pipeline of talented big men ready to step into starting roles.
The wide receiver additions may not include five-star prospects, but the group features players with the speed, route-running ability, and playmaking skills necessary to contribute in Penn State's offense. The ability to recruit quality receivers continues to be crucial as the program looks to develop a more explosive passing attack.
Defensive Reinforcements
On the defensive side of the ball, Penn State's 2025 class addresses needs at every level. In addition to the elite cornerback duo, the class includes quality additions at linebacker, defensive line, and safety. The defensive line haul is particularly impressive, featuring multiple players with the size and athleticism to develop into impact players in Jim Knowles' defense.
The linebacker additions provide the program with athletic, instinctive players who can cover ground in space and make plays against both the run and pass. Modern defenses require linebackers who can drop into coverage and defend running backs and tight ends, and Penn State's linebacker recruits possess these essential skills.
The safety position receives reinforcements with prospects who bring both size and range to the position. The ability to find safeties who can support the run, cover in space, and make plays on the ball is increasingly important, and Penn State's safety recruits check all these boxes.
National Recruiting Reach
One of the most impressive aspects of Penn State's 2025 recruiting class is its national footprint. While the program has traditionally recruited heavily from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Mid-Atlantic region, the 2025 class features significant additions from California, Ohio, and other non-traditional recruiting territories.
This national reach demonstrates Franklin's ability to compete with programs across the country for elite talent. The willingness of blue-chip prospects to travel significant distances to join Penn State validates the program's national reputation and suggests that the Nittany Lions are viewed as a legitimate destination for players seeking to compete for championships and develop for the NFL.
The geographic diversity also provides recruiting insurance should traditional recruiting territories become more competitive or produce fewer elite prospects in certain cycles. Programs that can recruit nationally have distinct advantages over regional programs that depend heavily on limited geographic areas for talent.
Development and Impact Timeline
Immediate Contributors
Several prospects in the 2025 class possess the physical tools and technical abilities to contribute immediately. The cornerback duo of Dixson and Joseph, along with some of the defensive line prospects, could push for playing time in their first seasons on campus. Penn State's need for depth and the quality of the incoming talent suggests that multiple true freshmen will see the field in 2025.
The tight end position, with Tyler Warren's departure, creates an immediate opportunity for Andrew Olesh to make an impact. While expecting a true freshman to replicate Warren's historic production would be unrealistic, Olesh's talent level suggests he could become a featured part of the offense relatively quickly.
Long-Term Program Building
The true value of an elite recruiting class often reveals itself over multiple seasons as players develop physically and mentally. The 2025 class provides Penn State with the kind of talent depth that allows coaching staffs to develop players properly without rushing them into action before they're ready. This depth creates internal competition that raises the performance level across the roster and ensures that injuries don't devastate position groups.
Many of the offensive linemen, while talented, will benefit from redshirt seasons that allow them to add strength and master the technical demands of college football. The investment in player development pays dividends when these prospects emerge as redshirt sophomores and juniors ready to contribute at an All-Conference level.
Recruiting Momentum
Building on Success
The 2025 recruiting class builds on the momentum created by Penn State's successful 2024 season and strong recruiting classes in previous cycles. The combination of on-field success and recruiting victories creates a virtuous cycle where winning attracts talent, and talent leads to more winning.
Penn State's consistent presence in the top-20 recruiting rankings under Franklin has provided the program with the talent necessary to compete for Big Ten championships and playoff appearances. The 2025 class continues this trend and ensures that the Nittany Lions will remain among the nation's elite programs for years to come.
The Franklin Factor
James Franklin's recruiting ability has been one of his defining characteristics as Penn State's head coach. His energy, vision for the program, and genuine relationships with recruits and their families have proven effective in landing elite talent. The 2025 class represents another example of Franklin's recruiting prowess and his ability to convince the nation's top prospects that Penn State is the right place to achieve their goals.
Franklin's willingness to embrace the modern recruiting landscape, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities and the transfer portal, has kept Penn State competitive with programs that possess inherent recruiting advantages. His adaptability and commitment to recruiting excellence ensure that Penn State will continue to sign elite classes regardless of changes in the recruiting environment.
Championship Implications
The 2025 recruiting class represents more than just individual talented players; it provides the foundation for championship-level rosters in the coming years. College football programs require multiple strong recruiting classes to build the depth necessary to survive injuries, develop players properly, and maintain competition at every position.
Penn State's recent recruiting success, culminating in the 2025 class, suggests the program is positioned to compete for Big Ten championships and College Football Playoff berths on a consistent basis. The combination of elite prospects at skill positions, quality depth in the trenches, and playmakers on defense gives Franklin the tools necessary to build championship-caliber teams.
The true test will come as these prospects develop and contribute on the field, but the raw talent and potential within the 2025 class cannot be denied. If the coaching staff develops this talent effectively, Penn State fans have much to be excited about in the coming years.