Big Ten foe beats Penn State football for top 50 recruit in 2025 cycle

The Penn State football team has stacked talent in the 2025 recruiting class over the past several months. But one player the Nittany Lions were waiting for a decision on was top 50 recruit, Iose Epenesa. On Thursday, Epenesa who ranks as one of the nation’s top defensive line prospects in 2025 made his commitment to Iowa.

Iose Epenesa chose to follow in his brother’s footsteps. Iose is the brother of AJ Epenesa who played for the Iowa Hawkeyes before being selected in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Iose Epenesa is from Edwardsville (Illinois) and ranks as one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2025 recruiting class.

According to On3, Epenesa holds a four-star ranking. He is the No. 1 player in Illinois, and the No. 3 defensive lineman in the country (No. 35 nationally). He chose Iowa over Penn State football, Miami, and Utah.

During his recruitment, he took one trip to Happy Valley. On May 18 he took his official visit which left his father Eppy to leave a heartwarming thank you on Twitter/X.

Thank you, Coach Franklin, for the amazing hospitality and the opportunity for our son and my family to learn more about Penn State football,” Eppy Epenesa wrote. “Such an honor to finally shake your hand and meet you and your amazing staff. We enjoyed our time and thank you for having us in Happy Valley!”

🚨BREAKING🚨 Elite DL Iose Epenesa has committed to Iowa🐤

He ranks No. 35 NATL. (No. 3 DL) in the 2025 class‼️

More from @SWiltfong_: https://t.co/O87KhQKuGj pic.twitter.com/3H1vDPBnpP

— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) August 15, 2024

Reviewing the 2025 recruiting class for Penn State football

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

While missing on Epenesa hurts, Penn State football has a stacked defensive line class in 2025. Jayden Woods is the highest-ranked prospect as a four-star recruit and the No. 23 edge rusher in the 2025 cycle.

But recently, the Nittany Lions got linebacker Cam Smith to flip his commitment from Manny Diaz and Duke to Penn State. This opens up flexibility for LaVar Arrington II, also committed as a linebacker. According to his high school head coach Dom Farrar said that Arrington II can play any position.

“I’ve never seen an athlete in over 30 years be able to do what he does on the football field, especially on the defensive side of the field. Honestly, if we chose to, he’s a kid that could play every position on the field.”

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