James Franklin offers son of Penn State football legend LaVar Arrington

Few positions carry as much weight in Penn State football lore as does linebacker. From Jack Ham to Micah Parsons, each generation of Nittany Lions seemingly has its own inductee into the storied history of “Linebacker U.” Penn Staters everywhere were reminded of this fact with one of the most recent 2025 offers to come out of Happy Valley, as LaVar Arrington II, son of Nittany Lions legend and College Football Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington, earned an offer from James Franklin and Penn State.

LaVar Arrington II earns offer from James Franklin, Nittany Lions

Few names carry as much weight around the Penn State football program as LaVar Arrington. One of the most feared linebackers in all of college football during his time, Arrington was a two-time First Team All-American for the Nittany Lions. Winner of both the Butkus and Badnarik Awards in 1999, Arrington’s historic college career was cemented in 2022, when he became Penn State’s 19th College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Of course, his famous “LaVar Leap” lives on in Penn State football fame to this day.

Given the family history with the program, it’s needless to say that this latest offer from James Franklin has excited the Nittany Lion faithful. LaVar Arrington II is currently rated as a three-star linebacker out of Charter Oak High School in California.

247Sports rates Arrington as a top 100 prospect in California for the 2025 cycle. Arrington’s prospects continue to rise, as he’s flashed on the field numerous times this fall.

3⭐️ LAVAR ARRINGTON II out here making PLAYS @adamgorney | @RivalsCorey pic.twitter.com/24VjebmObM

— Rivals (@Rivals) October 27, 2023

To date, Arrington has mainly attained offers from programs on the West Coast, including Oregon, Washington, Oregon State, and Arizona. But on Wednesday, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions became the latest to offer Arrington.

“After a humbling conversation with Alan Zemaitis and James Franklin, I am deeply honored and blessed to receive my tenth D-1 offer to my father’s alma mater,” Arrington said on social media.

After a humbling conversation with @ZemaitisTouch_ and @coachjfranklin, I am deeply honored and blessed to receive my tenth D-1 offer to my fathers Alma Mater: Pennsylvania State University. Thank you! #WeAre #ST1XC1TY pic.twitter.com/1Dl8vJrmzy

— LaVar Arrington II (@ArringtonLavar) November 16, 2023

2025 class starting to heat up for Penn State football

While the 2024 cycle is about to take center stage with National Signing Day quickly approaching, the 2025 class is in full swing for Penn State football. On Tuesday, the Nittany Lions earned a commitment from Bekkem Kritza, the No. 1 recruit in Colorado for 2025.

With six commitments, Penn State football currently has the No. 11 recruiting class nationally in the 2025 cycle, according to On3.

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