Top Penn State football defensive target picks Notre Dame

It’s been a hot start to the summer for James Franklin and Penn State football on the recruiting trail, particularly on the defensive side on the line of scrimmage. But the Nittany Lions came up short with one of the top safeties in the 2025 recruiting cycle over the holiday weekend, as Mount Tabor (North Carolina) four-star JaDon Blair committed to Notre Dame.

Blair announced his commitment on Friday afternoon via the On3 network. He is On3’s No. 85 overall prospect and No. 8 safety for the 2025 recruiting cycle. 247Sports ranks him No. 161 nationally and No. 13 at his position. Both outlets rate him as a top-five player in North Carolina.

BREAKING: Four-Star Safety JaDon Blair has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’4 198 S from Winston Salem, NC chose the Fighting Irish over Michigan, Penn State, & South Carolina

“Got a point to prove, always had a chip on my shoulder!”… pic.twitter.com/ZFj4o5kIpt

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 5, 2024

The decision is a tough blow for Penn State football. James Franklin and the Nittany Lions were among the first schools to offer JaDon Blair and hosted him six times, more than any other program.

However, Blair’s decision to join the Irish was expected. While Penn State was viewed as the frontrunner at times during this recruitment, Blair was widely believed to be trending toward Notre Dame since late spring.

On3’s Steve Wiltfong logged a prediction for the top 2025 safety to commit to Notre Dame on May 28. A wave of predictions from the major recruiting services followed in the weeks leading up to Friday’s decision.

Another Penn State target of note, Monarch (Florida) wide receiver Samari Reed, committed to Ole Miss on Thursday.

Penn State football is putting together a strong defensive back class in 2025

© Dan Rainville/USA Today Network – PA / USA TODAY NETWORK

While landing JaDon Blair would’ve been a value-add for Penn State football, James Franklin, Terry Smith, and Anthony Poindexter already have the makings of a solid defensive back unit in the 2025 cycle.

Two of the Nittany Lions’ top three commits per On3’s Industry Rankings, cornerbacks Daryus Dixson and Jahmir Joseph, have joined the class in the last month. Dixson, inside 247Sports’ top 100 prospects, is Penn State’s highest cornerback recruit since 2017.

The Nittany Lions also added two more defensive backs in recent weeks, earning commitments from three-star Florida cornerback Antonio Branch and three-star New Jersey safety/wide receiver Braswell Thomas. The four join three-star Xxavier Thomas of Pittsburgh Central Catholic, who committed in December.

After Thursday’s commitment from LaVar Arrington II, Penn State football now has the No. 10 class in the 2025 recruiting cycle per 247Sports, while On3 ranks the Nittany Lions at No. 14.

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