No 1 player in America Commits to Penn State Football Over Tennessee Vols and Georgia…
In a stunning commitment shake-up, LaVar Arrington II, the nation’s No. 1 high school football recruit and son of Penn State legend LaVar Arrington, has officially pledged his future to Penn State—opting out of final visits to powerhouse programs like Tennessee and Georgia.
Arrington II, a dominant outside linebacker out of Covina, California, commanded attention all season with 12 sacks in his junior year and earned a coveted spot in the 2025 All‑American Bowl. Rated the top recruit in America for the 2026 class, his decision was announced on July 4, 2024—an homage to his namesake, and a commitment that sends massive ripples through the college football landscape .
🌟 The Decision
Choosing Penn State was a deeply symbolic move. Arrington II grew up admiring his father’s legacy at Happy Valley—his pledge completes a full-circle moment for the Arrington family. His last minute decision not only bypassed SEC heavyweights Tennessee and Georgia but also passed on other majorg programs like Oregon and UCLA .
Why Penn State Won the Race
Legacy & Familiarity: Wearing No. 11—his father’s number—Arrington II joins the program early as an enrolled freshman, cementing a legacy his family proud to embrace .
Defensive Fit: Penn State’s storied linebacker tradition and development pipeline mirrors what made LaVar Sr. a household name, and with the current coaching staff eager to build the next era of Nittany Lions defense, Arrington II’s impact will be immediate.
Turned Down SEC and Pac-12: Despite late courting, SEC powerhouses Tennessee and Georgia couldn’t top his bond with Penn State, showing that regional loyalty still plays a big role in national recruiting.
What This Means for Penn State
This commitment is a massive win for head coach James Franklin. Landing the top recruit in the country adds prestige to Penn State’s 2026 class and gives the program a cornerstone to attract other top talents. Expect Arrington II to compete for early playing time in 2025, and analysts are already forecasting big things in his first season .
Final Take
LaVar Arrington II’s decision is more than a résumé boost—it’s a deeply personal declaration of belonging, legacy, and destiny. As he begins his college career in Happy Valley, expectations are sky-high. If history is any guide, the son of a Penn State icon looks poised to carve his own legendary path.
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Quick Snapshot: | Recruit | Position | High School | Commitment Date | Passed Over | |——–|———-|————-|——————|————-| | LaVar Arrington II | OLB | Charter Oak HS, CA | July 4, 2024 | Tennessee, Georgia, Oregon, UCLA |
Let me know if you’d like quotes from Penn State’s coaching staff or insight into how this shapes the Nittany Lions’ 2026 class!
