Penn State pitching to play top in-state recruit both ways

Penn State football is in the hunt for La Salle College standout Joey O’Brien. And although the competition will be stiff to land Pennsylvania’s top available prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle, the Nittany Lions are leaning into O’Brien’s unique skillset in order to get an edge.

According to a report from On3’s Steve Wiltfong, Penn State outlined the program’s plan to play O’Brien on both sides of the football during his visit to Happy Valley last week. James Franklin and the Nittany Lions are the first team to detail the steps they would take to allow O’Brien to remain a two-way athlete at the next level.

Penn State's specific plan to play blue-chip ATH Joey O'Brien both ways was the highlight of his latest visit to State College. He talks about that and more here: https://t.co/fuZnuZBTZO pic.twitter.com/b2r3QelJCK

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) April 20, 2025

O’Brien is the No. 5 athlete in the country and the No. 48 prospect overall in 247Sports’ 2026 class rankings. Widely viewed as a safety in college, the consensus four-star prospect had 36 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and an interception last fall. However, he also caught 68 passes for a school-record 1,029 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Notre Dame is viewed as Penn State’s top rival for O’Brien’s commitment heading into summer visit season. However, O’Brien’s talents as a pass catcher were clearly on his mind heading into his trip to State College last week.

I’m an ATHLETE, Don’t forget I play receiver👀 @LaSalleFball @ChadSimmons_ @TomLoy247 @samspiegs @SWiltfong_ @TorreySmithWR pic.twitter.com/2RG1VyCIFQ

— Joey O’Brien (@Joey_obrien6) April 17, 2025

Penn State football already has secured commitments from five of the Keystone State’s top 10 prospects in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

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