Recruiting notebook: Penn State has new targets, commit solidifies commitment

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Recruiting notebook: Penn State has new targets, commit solidifies commitment

Andrew Deal, Nittany Lions Wire · Nittany Lions Wire

Thu, Sep 18, 2025 ·

3 min read

Nittany Lions back in the mix for 2026 offensive tackle Johnnie Jones

After the firing of Foster, a multitude of UCLA commits announced their de-commitment from the program. This allowed Penn State to get itself back in the mix for 2026 offensive lineman Johnnie Jones, whom the Nittany Lions targeted prior to his commitment to UCLA.

Jones stands at 6-foot-6, weighing 305 pounds, ranking as the No. 122 player in the country, per 247Sports composite. Jones ranks as the No. 9 offensive tackle in the country and No. 27 player in the state of Florida.

He said that Penn State is one of the teams that stands out in the early parts of his "new" commitment cycle.

The Venice, Florida, native would be another late addition to the class, joining recent defensive lineman commit Tavian Branch .

If Jones were to commit to Penn State, he'd be the fifth offensive tackle commit in the class as the Nittany Lions reload at the position. Some players may move inside, similar to offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh's position move to guard after lining up at left tackle last season.

James Franklin visits Pittsburgh targets, commits

During the bye week, James Franklin took a visit to multiple players in the Pittsburgh area, with the area holding a strong group of players in the Class of 2027.

Franklin checked in on Penn State commit, Kemon Spell at McKeesport, while also paying a visit to Spell's teammate, Javien Robinson.

Spell is the No. 9 player in the country and No. 1 running back and player in Pennsylvania in the 2027 recruiting class.

The running back recently confirmed his commitment status after multiple scheduled visits.

"I am staying," Spell said following his surprise visit to Happy Valley for the game against Villanova. Spell was expected to be at Notre Dame for the Fighting Irish's game against Texas A&M, but decided to change plans and take another visit to his committed team.

Despite his reassurance, there is still over a year before he officially signs, giving plenty of time for teams to make their pitch. But after a very early commitment announcement, Spell seems to still feel strong about his pledge to the Nittany Lions.

Franklin didn't just stop at McKeesport. Penn State's head coach visit Pine Richland where wide receiver commit Khalil Taylor is playing his junior season. Franklin wasn't necessarily just there for Taylor as Florida State cornerback commit Jay Timmons is also at the Pittsburgh powerhouse.

Timmons is a potential flip candidate for the Nittany Lions in the Class of 2026. The son of former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons , the cornerback ranks as the No. 161 player in the country and No. 4 player in Pennsylvania.

With the bye week still ongoing, and Friday night high school games yet to be played, Franklin will likely still be on the move, checking in on committed players and potential targets.