Four-star TE flips from Big Ten rival to Penn State on day before Signing Day

Penn State football has added to its haul in the 2025 recruiting cycle with less than 24 hours until the start of the early National Signing Period. On Tuesday afternoon, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions earned a commitment from a former Purdue pledge, tight end Brian Kortovich.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to my parents, coaches, teachers, community, and friends,” Kortovich wrote on social media. “This journey wouldn’t be possible without your unwavering support and encouragement. Each of you has played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and I am truly thankful.

“With that said, I am thrilled to announce I am committing to Penn State University!”

Beyond blessed to be apart of the program. I am officially committing to Penn State University! Let’s get to work! #WEARE #AGTG #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/SjHGFoRfiL

— Brian Kortovich (@KortovichB) December 3, 2024

From Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Kortovich is a four-star prospect and the No. 13 tight end and No. 9 player from the Buckeye State in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to On3. ESPN also evaluates him as a four-star, while 247Sports and Rivals currently rate him as a three-star prospect.

Kortovich had been committed to Purdue since June 11, but decommitted on Sunday following the firing of Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters. He was on hand for an official visit in Happy Valley last weekend to watch Penn State football take down Maryland on Senior Day.

The early National Signing Period for the 2025 recruiting cycle begins Wednesday and runs through Friday. Penn State football currently has the No. 15 class in the country for 2025.

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