Penn State football lands elite 2025 recruit

On Monday morning, James Franklin and Penn State football added another highly sought-after recruit in the 2025 cycle. This time, the Nittany Lions added Jaelyne Matthews — a top-5 offensive tackle in his class.

Who is Jaelyne Matthews?

Jaelyne Matthews is a 6-5, 290 lbs offensive tackle and a four-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. According to 247 Sports, Matthews is the No. 60 player nationally, the No. 5 offensive tackle, and the No. 1 player in New Jersey for the 2025 cycle. Additionally, 247 gives Matthews a 0.9675 overall composite grade.

Matthews played both ways in high school, though his size and athletic ability make him a prime prospect at offensive tackle, which is where the Nittany Lions will likely stick him.

Who did Penn State football beat for Matthews?

Jaelyne Matthews had a long list of offers from major programs, yet chose Penn State football over all of them. In line with the Nittany Lions were programs like Georgia, Miami (FL), Ohio State, and more — all of these programs were warm with Matthews, yet James Franklin still managed to seal the deal.

What does this mean for the Nittany Lions’ 2024 class?

According to 247 Sports, Penn State’s 2025 class is now up to No. 5 in the nation and 2nd in the Big Ten conference, though it is still very early. Matthews’ commitment is Penn State’s first in the 2025 class.

The Nittany Lions’ 2025 class is already off and running with a massive commitment just as the past few have been. Once again, James Franklin is bringing Penn State football the tools it needs to succeed. Now, it’s time to deliver on the field as well, just as he has done many times in the past in State College.

This fall, the Nittany Lions could gain even more momentum by finally breaking through their glass ceiling and taking over the Big Ten and more.