Penn State football now trending for ex-Michigan commit

Since early 2023, Mantrez Walker has been a top commit in Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class; however, a post-season de-commit for the Wolverines may be playing in the favor of Penn State football. Walker, a former Michigan Wolverine, is back on the market and has James Franklin and Nittany Lions as one of the top teams remaining in his recruitment.

Penn State football a finalist for ex-Michigan commit in the 2025 recruiting class

Over the weekend, 2025 four-star linebacker Mantrez Walker trimmed his list down to just five finalists. James Franklin and Penn State football made the cut, along with Colorado, LSU, Miami, and Ole Miss. Of these teams, On3’s recruiting prediction machine gives the Rebels and the Nittany Lions the best odds of landing his commitment out of these five — a major development for Penn State, if Franklin and staff can lock him down.

God Is Great…

Final 5. 🫶🏾 #Blessed pic.twitter.com/FhjBCNDePZ

— Mantrez Walker (@MantrezWalker) February 11, 2024

Nittany Lions pushing for Mantrez Walker

Mantrez Walker was committed to Michigan football for about a year, including the Wolverines’ cheating scandal and national title run throughout the 2023 season. With Jim Harbaugh leaving and a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Maize and Blue right now, Walker decided to head elsewhere, perhaps even choosing Penn State as his next destination.

Reports state that Walker is looking to return to State College for a visit with the Nittany Lions in the coming months — perhaps making the trip for Penn State’s Blue-White Spring Game, which will be played in mid-April.

🦁 ? #WeAre pic.twitter.com/5xyBIwZNSy

— Mantrez Walker (@MantrezWalker) February 14, 2024

Per Rivals, Mantrez Walker is a four-star linebacker out of Buford, GA. He ranks as the No. 34 player in the state of Georgia and the No. 13 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class so far.

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