Penn State football, basketball make cut for five-star dual sport recruit

James Franklin and Mike Rhoades are teaming up for what would be a significant recruiting win for both programs. On Monday evening, Penn State football made the top six for five-star 2026 tight end Kendre Harrison. Also a top 10 power forward in the 2026 recruiting cycle, the Reidsville, North Carolina, prospect is interested in playing for the Nittany Lions basketball program, as well.

NEWS: Five-Star TE Kendre Harrison is down to 6️⃣ Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’7 250 TE from Reidsville, NC is ranked as the No. 1 TE in 2026 on all recruiting websites

Will play basketball at the next level as well

Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/mYH9mjwTnz pic.twitter.com/euc6hJH6WJ

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 16, 2024

“North Carolina, Tennessee, Oregon, Penn State, Miami, and Florida State are the schools I will focus on now,” Harrison told On3’s Chad Simmons. “I have over 40 combining basketball and football offers, and all six schools on my list say I can play both.

“These schools produce tight ends. I like the offenses each school runs, and I have relationships with coaches.”

Kendre Harrison: Penn State football staff always “make me feel like a priority”

© Dan Rainville/USA Today Network – PA / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kendre Harrison is the No. 1 prospect in North Carolina, the top tight end in the country, and the No. 6 player nationally for the 2026 cycle, per On3’s Industry Rankings. He is a five-star prospect in both On3’s Industry Rankings and the 247Sports Composite.

MaxPrep’s 2023-24 Male Athlete of the Year, Harrison had 62 receptions for 940 yards and 16 touchdowns during his sophomore season.

“Penn State has been a top school for a long time,” Harrison told On3 of James Franklin and the Nittany Lions. “They have tight end history, and it shows. They put guys at my position in the NFL. I have great connections with multiple coaches there, too. They always treat me well and make me feel like a priority. I was at the White Out game last year and it was the best college football atmosphere I have been in.”

Harrison discusses interest in Penn State basketball

© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

On the hardwood, 247Sports ranks Kendre Harrison as the No. 31 prospect nationally for 2026. He is the No. 5 power forward in the class and the second-rated recruit out of the Tar Heel State. Last season, Harrison averaged 19.4 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game.

2026 #PennState TE target Kendre Harrison broke the backboard last night 🤯

👤 || https://t.co/Vi4SCOtiyK

pic.twitter.com/g4I76GdK6w

— Penn State Nittany Lions | Happy Valley Insider (@PennStateRivals) February 14, 2024

“I like their style of play on the basketball court,” Harrison said of Mike Rhoades and the Penn State basketball program to Ryan Snyder of Blue White Illustrated. “I know that they can develop me in basketball and football. It’s just a great place, again, man. I have a lot of fun when I’m up there.”

What is Harrison’s commitment timeline?

Undoubtedly a massive get for both programs, James Franklin and Mike Rhoades will have to be patient in this recruitment.

“The next step for me is to commit, but my commitment isn’t coming in 2024, though,” Harrison said. “It will be sometime in 2025. I will go to games this season, keep talking to these six schools, and then work to make my decision next year.”

Penn State football currently has two commitments in the 2026 recruiting cycle: Harrisburg running back Messiah Mickens and Mission Hills (California) quarterback Troy Huhn. Penn State basketball holds no pledges for 2026 to date.

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