BREAKING: Penn State football lands rising 2026 safety

Penn State football is building on its strong start to the 2026 recruiting cycle with another commitment to start the weekend. DeMatha Catholic (MD) safety Darrell Carey became the latest to join the Nittany Lions 2026 class, announcing his pledge on Friday afternoon.

A three-star prospect, Carey is the No. 23 safety in 2026 and the No. 7 player from Maryland, according to 247Sports. The Nittany Lions beat out Maryland, Oregon, South Carolina, and Texas A&M for his commitment.

1000% Committed!! #WEARE 🦁@coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/jyc1CtGVuK

— Darrell Carey (@relll5k) April 18, 2025

Carey becomes the second DeMatha prospect to commit to the Nittany Lions in 2026, joining three-star wide receiver Lavar Keys. Penn State also holds pledges from Fort Cherry (PA) four-star safety Matt Sieg, Winslow Township (NJ) three-star cornerback Julian Peterson, and Imani Christian (PA) three-star defensive back/athlete David Davis in the secondary.

Penn State football had the No. 9 class in the 2026 recruiting cycle prior to Carey’s announcement.

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