Five-star DB praises Penn State coaching staff ahead of ‘foot race’ decision

Penn State football is in the thick of the chase for the nation’s top cornerback, Brandon Arrington. The top-10 recruit in 2026 is still seven weeks away from a decision, but believes the race will be competitive to the end.

“I feel like all five schools have a chance,” Arrington told On3’s Chad Simmons this week. “It’s going to be a foot race; whoever shows me the best plan and what’s best for me [will win].”

Who will get 5-star CB Brandon Arrington on July 5?

Alabama, Oregon, Penn State, Texas A&M and USC remain in the race.

Arrington gave the latest to On3 here: https://t.co/bFfkkUgssc (On3+) pic.twitter.com/yzuAGJhZzl

— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) May 14, 2025

Arrington took his official visit to Happy Valley earlier this month, his first trip to central Pennsylvania. The California cornerback says it’s the relationship with James Franklin’s veteran defensive staff, especially longtime assistant Terry Smith, that stands out about the Nittany Lions.

“Just the development there. Coach Franklin, he’s been there for so long. Coach Smith, he’s been there,” he said. “Just the relationship and stuff like that. I feel like that’s a great spot for development.”

The No. 9 prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle, Arrington has visits to his other four contenders – Texas A&M, Alabama, USC, and Oregon – planned for June.

While landing the five-star cornerback would be a massive boost on the trail for the Nittany Lions, Arrington is just one of the elite defensive backs Penn State football is vying for in 2026. Franklin and his staff also recently hosted four-star cornerback Khary Adams, and will welcome the top in-state recruit, safety Joey O’Brien, this weekend.

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