Penn State football gaining interest from nation’s No. 1 recruit in 2026

While most of the attention for the Penn State football team’s recruiting efforts has been on the 2025 recruiting class, it’s ever too early to look at 2026. One of the strengths of the Nittany Lions has been their defensive line. For over a decade, Penn State has been able to produce NFL talent in the defensive trenches. Now, Penn State is in the mix for No.1 prospect Jahkeem Stewart from the 2026 recruiting class.

5-Star, No. 1 recruit in the country focusing on Penn State football

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 is starting to pick and choose his college choices.

According to Hayes Fawcett of On3 Stewart will be focusing on these 15 schools moving forward. They include LSU, Ohio State, Texas A&M, USC, Tennesse, FSU, Oregon, Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Texas, Miami, Colorado, Michigan, and Penn State football. Deion Barnes has the Nittany Lions in the fight and now will focus on sealing the deal.

NEWS: Elite 2026 DL Jahkeem “Thanos” Stewart tells me he will be focusing on these 1️⃣5️⃣ Schools moving forward in his Recruitment

The 6’6 270 DL from New Orleans, LA is ranked as the No. 1 Recruit in the 2026 Class

Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/cPhEduUJkk pic.twitter.com/mOOy1YBqhC

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) February 13, 2024

Penn State’s lone commitment in 2026

Currently, the only commit in the 2026 recruiting class for Penn State is Messiah Mickens. The four-star ATH from Camp Hill, PA, made his commitment to the Nittany Lions on August 19th, 2023, and has never wavered.

While it’s very early in the 2026 cycle, don’t be surprised if the Nittany Lions earn a few additions to the class over the summer. If they can land Jahkeem Stewart, it could lead to additional top talent coming to Penn State.

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