BREAKING: Penn State football lands four-star CB over Michigan, others

Penn State football continues to build its 2026 class with the addition of another blue chip defender. On Thursday afternoon, the Nittany Lions earned a commitment from four-star North Cross School (VA) cornerback Jaziel Hart.

Hart announced his pledge live on On3. His other finalists were Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech; however, he recently said his decision was down to the Nittany Lions and Wolverines.

“They’ve shown intense and consistent loyalty to me,” Hart told On3 of the two programs. “They’ve shown consistent love and hospitality every time I go [visit].”

BREAKING: Four-Star CB Jaziel Hart has Committed to Penn State, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’0 171 CB from Roanoke, VA chose the Nittany Lions over Michigan, Tennessee, & Notre Dame

“I smile a lot, so why wouldn’t I want to be in HAPPY VALLEY” https://t.co/QPpguSXLKY pic.twitter.com/X8rsuSCqE0

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 22, 2025

Hart is the No. 35 cornerback and seventh-ranked player from Virginia in the 2026 recruiting cycle, according to On3.

Penn State football remains in pursuit of other blue chip defensive backs following Hart’s commitment. This week, the Nittany Lions were predicted to land two other four-star cornerbacks: Carrollton’s (GA) Dorian Barney and Loyola Blakefield’s (MD) Khary Adams. The Blue and White have also hosted potential five-stars Joey O’Brien and Brandon Arrington in recent weeks.

The Nittany Lions hold commitments from David Davis and Julian Peterson at the position in 2026. Now with 17 total pledges, Penn State has the No. 5 class nationally.

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