A new 2026 quarterback target emerges for Penn State football

Penn State football has suffered multiple setbacks when recruiting quarterbacks in the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes. It started with Matt Zollers who is the No. 1 quarterback in Pennsylvania in the 2025 cycle made his commitment to Missouri. The Nittany Lions also saw 2026 star Dia Bell commit to Texas this week as well. They have also been in the hunt for Fazion Brandon who has been predicted to end up at Tennessee. But perhaps luck has changed for Penn State as Jaden O’Neal of the 2026 recruiting class has shown interest in coming to Happy Valley.

Jaden O’Neal is a four-star quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class. From Long Beach, California, O’Neal is regarded as one of the top prospects at his position in the 2026 recruiting class. He is currently favored to land in Oklahoma, however there are various schools he is showing interest in. Hayes Fawcett of On3 released O’Neal’s top ten schools on Wednesday, he included Colorado, Auburn, Oregon, Oklahoma, Arizona State, Miami, Ohio State, Flordia State, Washington, and Penn State.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, O’Neal is the No. 6 quarterback in the 2025 cycle. Overall he ranks as a top 100 recruit in his class. He has yet to take a visit to Happy Valley but that is likely to change with the shake-up on the quarterback big board.

NEWS: Four-Star QB Jaden O’Neal (2026) is down to 🔟 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’3 215 QB from Long Beach, CA is ranked as the No. 6 QB in the ‘26 Class (per On3 Industry)

Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/q4piYdagi4 pic.twitter.com/zQPTJWGfuU

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 19, 2024

The newest member of the 2025 recruiting class for Penn State football

While quarterbacks have been difficult to come back for Penn State football, a position they are recruiting at a high level is cornerback. Over the past two weeks, the Nittany Lions have secured commitments from three defensive backs in the 2025 recruiting class.

The latest to join Penn State was Antonio Branch on Wednesday night. The four-star corner from Miami (Florida) had his pledge to Terry Smith and the Nittany Lions before his final official visit that was upcoming at Louisville. He chose Penn State over Miami, Nebraska, and Lousiville.

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