Penn State football QB target elevated to No. 1 recruit in the nation

A key Penn State football target is now at the top of his class in the 2026 recruiting cycle. On Wednesday, North Carolina quarterback Faizon Brandon was elevated to the top prospect in the class of 2026 by 247Sports. The timing couldn’t be much better for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions, who recently hosted the newly minted five-star and are well on their way to making inroads with the up-and-coming recruit.

Penn State target Faizon Brandon becomes new top prospect in 2026 recruiting cycle

Fifteen-year-old quarterback Faizon Brandon shot up 247Sports’ updated 2026 recruiting rankings this week, becoming the top prospect in the class after previously being ranked No. 74 overall. As a sophomore, Brandon threw for over 3,000 yards with a 36-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio for Grimsley High School in Greensboro.

Meet the new No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class — 5⭐️ QB Faizon Brandon out of Greensboro, NC.

Brandon's rise up the 2026 rankings was a long time coming, says @AnnaH247 🗣️

STORY 🔗 https://t.co/L48HZZHibR pic.twitter.com/uL9ksPUd9J

— 247Sports (@247Sports) April 24, 2024

James Franklin and the Nittany Lions are already high on the new five-star’s list. Speaking to Anna Adams of 247Sports, Faizon Brandon noted that Penn State football was one of the programs with which he’s established “strong relationships,” joining Alabama, Georgia, and Flordia State, among others.

Brandon picked up his offer from Penn State football in March while visiting Happy Valley for the first time. At the time, he was already the top quarterback in On3’s 2026 recruiting rankings. The 6-3, 185-pound prospect currently holds 21 offers.

Nittany Lions aiming big at quarterback in 2026

James Franklin and Penn State football appear to be swinging for the fences at quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class in light of recent events in the 2025 cycle. While three-star Bekkem Kritza is on board, the Nittany Lions did miss on top in-state quarterback Matt Zollers to Missouri earlier in April.

Penn State will likely keep feelers out on Zollers throughout the summer. But with many of the top 2025 quarterbacks committed, it’s time to start shifting focus to 2026. In addition to Faizon Brandon, the Nittany Lions have already built strong ties with Dia Bell, a consensus top-five quarterback in the cycle. The son of former NBA star Raja Bell, the American Heritage (Florida) quarterback has been to campus three times, most recently in March.

Penn State football currently holds one commitment in the 2026 recruiting cycle: four-star in-state running back Messiah Mickens.

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