Five recruits who could provide fireworks by committing to Penn State

Happy Fourth of July, Penn State fans! While most of you are off today to celebrate the holiday, recruiting never stops at the game’s highest level. The Nittany Lions are in good shape with a handful of intriguing prospects, meaning more commitments in the Class of 2025 could be on the way.

Who do we think fans should be watching closely this holiday weekend and beyond? We break down the players we have our eyes on below.

1) LB/DE LaVar Arrington II

This one may be coming in the very near future. On his radio show earlier this week, his father, LaVar Arrington, teased a potential July 4 commitment for his son, LaVar Arrington II . Penn State sources have consistently mentioned that they feel good about the staff’s chances with Covina, Calif., native. That led BWI’s Sean Fitz to log an RPM for Arrington on Tuesday .

At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Arrington would bring more versatility to the defensive half of this class, with both edge rusher and linebacker mentioned as potential positions depending on how he grows. The Charter Oak prospect holds a three-star rating in On3’s Industry Rankings . Last season, Arrington II had 65 tackles and 12 sacks in 13 games. He also had nine quarterback hurries, one interception and a blocked punt.

2) WR Lex Cyrus

While it’s taken longer than many expected, we believe fans should still feel good about Penn State’s chances with wide receiver Lex Cyrus . Over the past year, no school has put in the time and commitment to recruiting the Central Pennsylvania speedster as much as James Franklin and his staff. We also continue to hear that Penn State has been aggressive from an NIL perspective, which speaks to Cyrus’ importance.

In a perfect world, Cyrus would’ve committed already, but South Carolina is clearly giving him something to think about. With that said, we should get an answer sooner than later, as sources continue to hint that he’s aiming to make a decision next week.

With a personal best 10.45-second 100-meter time, Cyrus has the kind of speed that very few can match. Add in the fact that he grew up right outside of Harrisburg and this is a recruitment the staff has to lock down. Ranked No. 220 nationally in On3’s Industry Rankings , he represents Penn State’s last shot at adding a Top 10 player from the Keystone State.

3) DE/DL Iose Epenesa

Four-star edge rusher Iose Epenesa hasn’t opened up about his recruitment much, but there’s reason to believe that Penn State is genuinely in the mix. Ranked No. 37 nationally in On3’s Industry Rankings , Epenesa would easily be PSU’s top-ranked recruit in the class if the Illinois native did pick the Nittany Lions.

Following five official visits to Penn State, Iowa, Miami, Missouri and Utah, it sounds like the Nittany Lions may be in his top three. Miami and Utah have garnered the most discussion from sources, which in some ways is surprising when you consider his family’s ties to Iowa. It’s unclear when an announcement may come, but this would be a massive addition to the class. At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, Epenesa could play inside or outside, providing the kind of versatility that Penn State often covets.

4) DL Jarquez Carter

Speaking of defensive linemen, Florida native Jarquez Carter feels like the staff’s top true defensive tackle target at this stage in the cycle. Where exactly he’s leaning, though, kind of depends on who you ask. Ohio State has been on a roll lately recruiting quality defensive linemen, but if the Buckeyes want Carter, there’s a good chance they can land him. Colleagues in Miami also believe that the Hurricanes have put themselves in a strong position.

Even our sources here have consistently mentioned that Carter has hinted the right things to them, so that makes it a bit difficult to read at the moment. With a commitment date tentatively set for July 18, there are still two weeks for that recruitment to sort itself out. Carter is ranked No. 401 nationally in On3’s Industry Rankings .

5) WR Taz Williams Jr.

In addition to Cyrus, Texas wide receiver Taz Williams Jr. is Penn State’s other top remaining target to finish out the position. This one looked to be favoring Texas A&M at one point. Then Michigan became the popular school, but now most believe it’s Penn State that has the best opportunity to land his commitment.

With a commitment date set for July 13, we should learn next week if the Nittany Lions ultimately get the job done. Williams is ranked No. 346 nationally in On3’s Industry Rankings , making him a four-star prospect.

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