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PA’s No. 1 recruit won’t flip Penn State football pledge despite push from Big Ten rivals

With rumors that USC and Michigan are trying to flip 2026 five-star ATH Messiah Mickens, the top player in Pennsylvania doubled down on his commitment to Penn State football.

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9 months ago

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Penn State Football, Messiah Mickens, 2026 recruiting, Missouri
Oct 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Being a top prospect is never easy in college football. Not only do you have a big decision to make, but you also have other schools constantly attempting to change your mind. Luckily for 2026 recruiting class member Messiah Mickens, he has already made his commitment to the Penn State football team. However, other schools, such as USC and Michigan, are not going away easily. On Friday afternoon, Mickens made it clear that he is locked in with the Nittany Lions.

2026 Penn State football commit re-confirms commitment to PSU

Messiah Mickens is the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. The five-star prospect made his commitment to Penn State football on August 19th, 2023. Since then, the star running back from Camp Hill, PA, has continued to grow his recognition. Not only is Mickens the top player in PA in 2026 but he is also a top-3 athlete in the class as well.

With national attention, other programs have been knocking on his door. According to Adam Gorney, the National Recruiting Director for Rivals, USC and Michigan are seriously pursuing Mickens and trying to flip his commitment.

Mickens put those rumors to rest on Friday afternoon after quote tweeting the article that spoke about USC and Michigan. He kept it simple, stating, “We are,” showing that he is not wavering in his commitment to Penn State.

Can the Nittany Lions land the No. 1 player in 2026?

Speaking of the 2026 recruiting class, Penn State is in the mix for the No.1 player in the class. According to Hayes Fawcett of On3, Jahkeem Stewart has brought his focus to his top 15 schools. The Nittany Lions have made the cut for Stewart.

Jahkeem Stewart is a five-star prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports and On3. He is currently ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the cycle and the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country. The 6 foot 6, 270, 270-pound prospect from New Orleans, LA, could end up in State College if Deion Barnes can continue his recruiting streak.

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Former Editor-In-Chief at Victory Bell Rings, Morgan is the current Site Manager for Basic Blues Nation, host of the Basic Blues Podcast, and co-host of the weekly Penn State Roar Room spaces. Morgan lives in upstate New York with his wife and cats.

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