Penn State has been active in the 2026 recruiting cycle, already securing six commitments that range from in-state prospects to those from multiple states around the country.
It’s an impressive showing for them so far, but they will continue to be active and try to build relationships through this fall that carries over into the all important spring period next year.
Defensive line coach [autotag]Deion Barnes[/autotag] emerged as a star on the recruiting trail in the 2025 class, and even though it took him a little while to get going and land some commitments, he still was able to get some of the best prospects on his board.
He wasted no time in the 2026 cycle, already landing four-star edge rusher [autotag]Daniel Jennings[/autotag].
Now, he got some good news regarding another target as [autotag]Anthony Jones[/autotag] included the Nittany Lions in his top schools list that also featured Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, Tennessee, Washington, UCLA, Arizona State and California.
GOD’S TIMING!!!@GregBiggins @ChadSimmons_ @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @TomLoy247 @SWiltfong_ @CoachTroop3 @CreanFootball pic.twitter.com/JJLFXY6lSl
— 4⭐️Anthony “poppa” Jones (@Ajones2026) August 5, 2024
The four-star California native has been busy taking visits to schools around the country, narrowing his scope from the roughly 18 scholarship offers that he has received so far.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he’s rated as a four-star prospect who is considered the 18th-best player at his position and No. 204 overall per On3’s Industry Ranking.
He has yet to visit Penn State, but wants to get to campus sometime this fall. According to Chad Simmons of On3, he plans on taking official visits during the spring and summer before announcing his commitment (subscription required).
Jones would be a major addition for the Nittany Lions, getting two four-star recruits in the same class to come off the edge.