Top 10 prospect in 2026 cycle confirms Penn State football visit

While the 2025 recruiting class continues to grow for the Penn State football team, the Nittany Lions look to add to the 2026 recruiting class as well. Currently, the lone commit is running back Messiah Mickens. James Franklin continues to work towards building a strong future class. If he can land Zion Elee in the 2026 cycle that would be a step in the right direction. Elee ranks as the No. 1 edge rusher and a top 10 prospect in the class nationally. He confirmed Saturday that he will soon be returning to Happy Valley.

Top 10 prospect in 2026 cycle confirms Penn State football visit

Zion Elee is one of the best prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The four-star edge rusher from Joppa, MD stands at 6-3 220 pounds. On3 is high on Elee and his potential. They rank him as the No. 1 edge rusher and the No. 8 player in the 2026 cycle. He is also regarded as the No. 2 player in Maryland as well.

The Terrapins hold the lead for Elee. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine lists Maryland with a 50% chance of securing a commitment from this top prospect. However, Penn State is rapidly closing that gap. The Nittany Lions have a 22% chance to land Elee.

That momentum can shift quickly as the rising star defender has announced that he will be returning to Happy Valley. On Saturday Zion Elee announced on Twitter/X that he will be visiting Penn State on June 2.