Blue chip Maryland defender decommits from Big Ten foe after earning Penn State offer

Penn State football is emerging as a top candidate for 2025 four-star safety Byron Baldwin hours after his decommitment from Big Ten rival Indiana.

The St. Frances Academy (Maryland) defensive back announced his decision to Hayes Fawcett of On3 on Wednesday morning. While Indiana will remain a contender, Baldwin tells Fawcett that Penn State, Colorado, Missouri, and UCLA are programs that currently stand out.

BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Byron Baldwin has Decommitted from Indiana, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’1 185 S had been Committed to the Hoosiers since April

Tells me Colorado, Missouri, UCLA, & Penn State stand out. Indiana will remain in contentionhttps://t.co/gWIQszlV15 pic.twitter.com/nJjxfvrf6P

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 2, 2024

Byron Baldwin committed to Indiana in April, originally choosing the Hoosiers over Minnesota and Kentucky. However, the 6-1, 180-pound defensive back has picked up a handful of new offers over the last month, including one from James Franklin and Penn State football last week on September 23.

The Baltimore native hasn’t visited Happy Valley since November of last year. He did recently take an official visit to Colorado on September 20, the same weekend as former Penn State safety commit – and now Buffaloes pledge – Antonio Branch Jr.

If the Nittany Lions were to land Byron Baldwin, they may ironically end up with an even more coveted prospect than the one they were attempting to replace. Baldwin is the No. 134 player nationally and the No. 14 safety in On3’s 2025 recruiting rankings. He’s also the outlet’s fourth-ranked prospect out of Maryland for the cycle.

With 24 commitments, On3 has Penn State football at No. 16 in its 2025 recruiting class rankings.

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