James Franklin has strong message for PA’s No. 1 recruit

Top in-state prospect Joey O’Brien returned to State College over the weekend for his official visit with Penn State football. As the standout La Salle College (PA) safety prepares for a month of visits with several of the nation’s elite programs, he says James Franklin’s recruiting pitch is simple and direct.

“He’s not going to let me leave the state,” O’Brien told On3 of Franklin’s message during his visit. The trip was the second time O’Brien has seen Happy Valley in the last four weeks, also visiting the Nittany Lions during spring practice in April.

James Franklin sent a very clear message to Pennsylvania's top-ranked recruit, Joey O'Brien, during his official visit this weekend.

'He's not going to let me leave the state.'

O'Brien Recap: https://t.co/FOLWYJi7eD pic.twitter.com/0StRSmb8nG

— Ryan Snyder (@RyanSnyderOn3) May 18, 2025

The No. 30 prospect in the 247Sports’ 2026 recruiting rankings, O’Brien is rated as the No. 4 safety in the cycle. However, several of his pursuing programs, including the Nittany Lions, are recruiting him to play both sides of the ball. While O’Brien will also visit Clemson, Oregon, and Tennessee, by most accounts, his recruitment is a battle between Penn State and Notre Dame. He’ll visit the Fighting Irish on June 20.

Penn State currently holds commitments from two safeties – Matt Sieg and Darrell Carey – in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

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