Penn State football legacy target, Alabama commit to visit ACC foe this weekend

It’s been a few months since the Penn State football faithful have heard the name Michael Carroll, a Penn State legacy prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. That’s largely because Carroll has made his commitment to Alabama. But news broke on Thursday that he will be visiting Miami this weekend. How does that impact the Nittany Lions? It sounds like Carroll is still considering his options which potentially opens the door for Penn State once again.

Missing out on Michael Carroll felt like a hefty blow to the 2025 recruiting class. Not only was Carroll regarded as a top prospect in Pennsylvania (before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida) but he is also a legacy prospect. His father Michael Carroll played linebacker for Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions in the 1990s.

Carroll made his commitment official to Alabama on June 10, which seemingly closed the door for Penn State football and other schools that were recruiting the talented offensive lineman. According to On3, Carroll will be visiting Miami this weekend during their game against Ball State.

On300 5-star Alabama IOL commit Michael Carrol will visit Miami on Saturday for the Canes' matchup against Ball State, per @IzubeeCharles🙌

Read: https://t.co/CySVNgvJvw pic.twitter.com/qfDQiPWIqG

— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) September 12, 2024

Can James Franklin re-join the race for a ‘must get’ prospect?

Syndication: York Daily Record

The appeal to Miami is quite simple for Carroll. He is currently attending IMG so it’s an easy trip for the five-star talent from Bradenton to Miami. But you also have to remember that Mario Cristobal is an offensive line guru. Regardless of the results from the weekend of this visit, it makes you think that Carroll is considering other options.

In January Carroll shared with Brian Dohn of 247Sports how James Franklin valued the talented offensive lineman.

“They talked about how much they wanted me and how Coach (James) Franklin said I am a “must-get” prospect for them.”

Carroll currently holds a five-star ranking according to On3. He is regarded as the No. 2 prospect in Florida, the No. 1 IOL, and the No. 12 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class.

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