James Franklin has Penn State as the 'Team to beat' for top prospect from California who has deep roots to nearby Altoona

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 4:00 PM ET

It's not often that Penn State is able to draw in a four-star trench player from California when other Big 10 and SEC powers are involved in the fight. But Lucas Rhoa isn't your typical guard prospect, as the 2027 recruit from Orange, CA, has deeper ties to the Penn State area. James Franklin has plenty to pitch to a player who has been to Happy Valley four times already and has family roots nearby.

Rhoa's father attended Slippery Rock and Penn State-Altoona for college, and his "whole family" is from the Altoona area. With his uncle recently buying a bed and breakfast near State College, keeping it in the family by becoming a Nittany Lion is most logical.

This week, Penn State was officially deemed a clear leader in the early chase for the four-star blocker. He'll be back on campus in September when Oregon comes for what will surely become a white out crowd.

“Penn State is the school I’ve been to the most,” Rhoa said. “I’m the most familiar with them so if you want to say a leader, it would be Penn State.

One team is emerging as the leader for 2027 4-star OL Lucas Rhoa, per @adamgorney

Intel: https://t.co/lXpULdiNh6 pic.twitter.com/UbWinSAQj0
— Rivals (@Rivals) August 5, 2025

“I did a camp there recently. I’ve been there four or five times, I went to a game last year, my father is an alumni, I have family living 10 minutes from the school so it’s almost my second home.”

Rhoa had been on campus as recently as June for a multiday venture. He was previously present for the Nittany Lions' game against Illinois in 2024 and a spring practice. He previously opened up even more, saying he was in the stands at the 2016 and 2022 Rose Bowls where Penn State was playing, plus the 2017 Fiesta Bowl.

“My dad’s family is from Central PA,” Rhoa told BWI back in the fall. “My dad went to Penn State, as did my uncles, aunts and cousins. I have been watching and attending Penn State games for as long as I can remember. I am always excited to get another opportunity to get back.”

The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder has significant interest from Oregon, Alabama, USC, Florida State, Texas, and others. Michigan has also been looming as a potential sleeper to upend Franklin's efforts. But his relationship with line coach Phil Trautwein will be the ultimate determining factor in bridging the gap between being a West Coast kid trying to come back home.

“It’s definitely what makes me like Penn State, not only the coaching staff, but being around family,” Rhoa said. “It’s a special place. State College, I’ve been to a lot of places, it really is like no others in terms of atmosphere.”

With plans to see SEC games at Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas, there's a lot of moving pieces where Penn State has to just bank on what they do best and his drive to keep with a familiar pace. If Rhoa wants something new, Penn State can't offer that.

We'll continue to monitor his recruitment as his profile continues to grow and the 2027 class comes closer into scope.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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