Penn State football wraps up visit with No. 1 player in Illinois

The Penn State football team is always looking for the next great tight end. Each year it seems the Nittany Lions lose one dynamic tight end to the NFL while gaining a high-profile player on the recruiting trail. Entering the 2024 season it’s no different for the Nittany Lions. Theo Johnson leaves for the NFL Draft and 2024 TE Luke Reynolds joins the team. Now, James Franklin and his coaching staff are looking toward the 2026 recruiting class. After finishing up a visit with the No. 1 player in Illinois ATH/TE Mack Sutter this weekend.

Penn State football wraps up visit with No. 1 player in Illinois

Mack Sutter is an interesting prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. The reason is Sutter is not your typical tight end prospect coming out of high school. He’s a true iron man on the field which is rare to see in today’s world of high school football.

Sutter who is from Dunlap, IL plays TE, QB, WR, and Edge. He is projected to be a tight end at the next level which fits his frame and size. He stands at 6’6 215 and is loaded with potential. According to the On3 Industry Rankings Sutter holds a four-star ranking from On3 and Rivals. He is yet to be ranked on 247Sports and ESPN.

Additionally, Sutter is currently listed as the No. 1 player in Illinois in the 2026 recruiting class according to On3. Now, he has shared on social media that he just wrapped up a visit with the Penn State football team. He was on campus for a spring practice visit with the Nittany Lions.

Thank you @PennStateFball for having me today for spring practice! Looking forward to getting back soon!! @CoachTHowle @CoachRocco @coachjfranklin @EDGYTIM @GregSmithRivals @SWiltfong_ @AllenTrieu pic.twitter.com/rcuAJjGCu0

— Mack Sutter (@M4ckSutter) April 6, 2024

Sutter wasn’t the only TE on campus this weekend

While Sutter is a prospect that Penn State is pursuing, the Nittany Lions also hosted a hard commitment from the 2025 recruiting class. Brady O’Hara shared that he was on campus this weekend as well.

Finally got to make it to a @PennStateFball spring practice. Got to catch up with @CoachTHowle @CoachTrautFB @coachjfranklin @CoachTerryPSU
Can’t wait to be back next week for the blue and white game! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/YcXpWcvV89

— Brady O’Hara (@BradyOHara4) April 6, 2024

O’Hara the three-star tight end prospect from Pittsburgh, PA shared that he will return to Happy Valley for the Blue-White game. It’s great to see a mix of players be on campus together to share experiences and insight with underclassmen as they look to make their decisions in the near future.

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