JUST IN:No. 1 Player in America Tetairoa McMillan Commits to Penn State Over BYU, Oklahoma, and Texas due to…
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Tetairoa Mcmillan #WO31 of Arizona speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
No. 1 Player in America Tetairoa McMillan Commits to Penn State Over BYU, Oklahoma, and Texas
For head coach James Franklin, this marks the most significant recruiting victory of his tenure in Happy Valley. Not only is McMillan the top-ranked player in the country, but his commitment also signifies that Penn State can now go toe-to-toe with the blue bloods of college football—and win.
> “This is about building something that lasts,” McMillan said in his commitment video. “Penn State isn’t just a school—it’s a movement. I believe in the culture, the coaching, and the fans. We’re about to make history.”
Why McMillan Chose Penn State
Sources close to McMillan say his visit to State College was “life-changing.” He connected with receivers coach Marques Hagans and built a bond with rising quarterback Drew Allar. Penn State’s recent success in producing NFL-ready wideouts also helped tip the scales.
But perhaps more importantly, McMillan appreciated the holistic approach the Nittany Lions took—emphasizing not just football development, but personal growth and academic success.
> “Coach Franklin showed me the blueprint,” McMillan added. “Not just for Saturdays, but for the next 40 years of my life.”
The Fallout for BYU, Oklahoma, and Texas
BYU was once considered the frontrunner, given McMillan’s Polynesian roots and the Cougars’ strong ties to his community. Oklahoma and Texas were both in heavy pursuit, offering NIL packages reportedly worth seven figures. But neither could compete with the vision McMillan saw at Penn State.
For Oklahoma, losing McMillan stings deeply as they sought to bolster a WR corps that has struggled with consistency. Texas, meanwhile, continues to fight for recruiting dominance in the SEC and will see this as a missed opportunity.
What McMillan Brings to Penn State
McMillan has been described as a “once-in-a-decade receiver”, with elite hands, vertical explosiveness, and the physicality to dominate press coverage. He’s a former volleyball star with insane leaping ability and body control, making him a matchup nightmare in the red zone.
He’ll likely start from day one and could be the most high-profile player to wear the Nittany Lions uniform since Saquon Barkley.
What’s Next?
With McMillan in the fold, Penn State’s 2025 recruiting class now jumps into the national top 3. His decision could open the door for more West Coast talent to consider Happy Valley, marking a new chapter in Franklin’s long-term vision for the program.
As McMillan put it:
> “We’re not just trying to win the Big Ten—we’re aiming for the national championship.”
Penn State fans have waited decades for a commitment like this. Now, with McMillan on board, the future in Happy Valley has never looked brighter.
