Penn State Football Penn State tight ends coach Ty Howle has turned his position group into an NFL factory in recent seasons. (Syndication: York Daily Record)

Penn State Football Recruiting Picks Up 2026 Tight End Commitment

Originally posted on Nittany Central | By Ian Purdy | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 5:52 PM ET

Penn State Football has gained back some momentum on the recruiting trail.

Wednesday, 2026 Athlete, Pierce Petersohn announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions.

Hailing from Dodge Center Minnesota, Petersohn is rated as an ON3 Industry 4 star. Petersohn becomes the 21st commitment in the class of 2026 for Penn State. After losing out on several top targets, Pierce Petersohn’s commitment signals some momentum for Penn State on the recruiting front.

Which School Came in 2nd Place for Petersohn?

The race for Pierce Petersohn has always been Penn State against Minnesota. The in-state school against the Tight End factory. The close-to-home pitch against the branch-out pitch. Head coach James Franklin and Penn State have won that battle.

Petersohn even announced his top two schools on June 17th as Penn State and Minnesota. After all those were the only two schools that the 4-star athlete officially visited. Minnesota is no lightweight in recruiting.

Especially when it comes to their home state. They have shown the ability to recruit their home state well. This is a big win for Ty Howle and Penn State.

What Does Pierce Petersohn Bring to the Table?

Pierce Petersohn is an elite athlete, one of the best in the country.

According to Petersohn’s twitter bio, he runs a 4.5 40-yard dash time and owns a 6’10 high jump.

Those are very impressive numbers. Petersohn is the type of athlete that you take and then see where he fits later on.

The word on the street is that Minnesota liked Petersohn as a Linebacker, and Penn State liked him as a Tight End. Evidently, the Tight End route won out.

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What is Next for Penn State Football Recruiting?

After adding Petersohn today, Nittany Lion fans have a few more announcements to circle.

Coming up this Friday, is the announcement of 4 star Edge Rusher, Jackson Ford. The in-state product is set to make a decision between Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Penn State Football, James Franklin Penn State Football has some of the most coveted recruits in the nation on campus this weekend.Hes Dr 042322 Bluewhite

Later Friday evening, top target, Defensive Lineman, Damari Simeon out of New Jersey will announce his college plans. Both Ford and Simeon’s decisions will impact Penn State’s class of 2026 for better or for worse.

Additionally, Cornerback Dorian Barney appears to be making an announcement on July 5th. He is another big target for Penn State. This late June, early July window will see a bunch of recruiting dominoes fall, and things will be sorted out.

Penn State is in a good spot to continue to rebound on the recruiting trail.