Penn State football legacy, top target shoots into top 30 of national 2025 rankings

One of the top targets for Penn State football in the 2025 recruiting cycle received a significant boost in the latest rankings update from On3 this week. On Monday, offensive lineman and Nittany Lions legacy prospect Michael Carroll jumped over 40 spots into the top 30 for the 2025 class. One of the most coveted prospects in the Keystone State, it now appears that James Franklin and his staff will have to fend off Alabama — a newcomer in this recruitment — in addition to Michigan to earn Carroll’s commitment.

Penn State football legacy rises into top 30 of national rankings

In January, James Franklin called four-star interior offensive lineman Michael Carroll a “must-get” prospect for Penn State football. Less than three months later, the Central Bucks East product is showing why.

On Monday, On3 elevated Carroll to the No. 27 overall prospect in its 2025 recruiting rankings. The 6-6, 300-pound lineman was previously the No. 69 recruit in the class. His rise into the top 100 of the 2025 class only came last month in March.

Extremely thankful to be recognized as the 27th best best player in the nation & Top 2 IOL in the 🌎 @On3Recruits pic.twitter.com/idK1Ttr1mF

— Michael Carroll (@BIIGMIKE_55) April 15, 2024

The son of former Penn State linebacker Michael Carroll Sr., Carroll is the top uncommitted prospect in Pennsylvania, and the No. 2 recruit overall. Carroll jumped one spot at his position as well, and is now the second-ranked interior offensive lineman in the country. 

However, with Carroll’s ranking rise comes new competition for his commitment. Last week, Michael Carroll took his second trip to Tuscaloosa to visit Alabama during the Crimson Tide’s A-Day spring game. Carroll will be back in Tuscaloosa on June 7 for an official visit. 

The Nittany Lions have long thought to be in a recruiting battle with Michigan for Carroll. Penn State football will get its legacy target first, hosting Carroll on June 14. He will be in Ann Arbor the following week. On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine currently gives Penn State a slight edge over Michigan and Alabama. 

2025 recruiting class update

After a hot start to the new year for Penn State football in 2025 recruiting, things have slowed some over the spring months. But the Nittany Lions added a pop to the class last week — both literally and figuratively — with the addition of Alabama running back Alvin Henderson. A top 10 back in the cycle, Henderson rushed for 3,523 yards and 61 touchdowns as a junior.

With 12 commitments, Penn State football currently holds the No. 8 class nationally in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports. On3 has the Nittany Lions slightly lower, at No. 16 overall. James Franklin’s class sits third and fourth in the new-look Big Ten, respectively.

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