Nittany Lions land NJ CB coached by Penn State football letterman

The busy month of January rolls along for Penn State football with a new addition to the 2026 recruiting class. As the Nittany Lions close out a month filled with College Football Playoff matchups, the transfer portal, and a coordinator search, the program picked up its first commitment of the new year Saturday evening from Winslow Township (NJ) cornerback Julian Peterson.

Peterson committed to Penn State football while on campus for the Nittany Lions’ first junior day event of the winter. A three-star, the 6-1, 198-pound defensive back is the No. 28 cornerback and No. 6 player from New Jersey for the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

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— Julian Peterson (@Julian_athlete) January 25, 2025

The newest Nittany Lion comes to Happy Valley with well-established ties to the Penn State football program. At Winslow Township, Peterson plays under former Penn State running back Bill Belton, who has served as the Eagles’ head coach since 2022. Belton, who played under Joe Paterno, Bill O’Brien, and James Franklin, was a standout at Winslow Township in his own right.

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Peterson becomes the ninth commitment for Penn State football in 2026. The Nittany Lions are currently ranked No. 4 nationally by 247Sports for the cycle. On3 has the Lions slightly lower, sitting at No. 7.

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