Prediction: Penn State Football Recruiting Target Joey O’Brien Decision Day Has Major Twist
The week has come, and the day is near for Penn State Football’s top target in 2026 to make an announcement. Four-star safety Joey O’Brien is set to announce his commitment in one day, on Friday, June 20th, with Penn State squarely in the mix.
O’Brien is an ON3 Industry 4-star. He is rated as the 40th best prospect in the nation overall and the fifth-best safety in the nation. On top of that O’Brien holds the title of the best player in Pennsylvania.
The LaSalle College High School product’s Pennsylvania ranking lines up exactly with Penn State’s evaluation of O’Brien.
Joey O’Brien is hands down Penn State Football’s class of 2026’s most important recruit.
How Joey O’Brien Would Fit at Penn State Football
Joey O’Brien is an elite player.
His specific fit at Penn State would be one of extreme versatility on both the offensive side of the ball and the defensive side.
Back in the spring, Penn State pitched the idea of O’Brien playing both ways. He primarily projects as a Safety at the college level, but he would likely play some Wide Receiver, should he choose the Nittany Lions.
O’Brien has referenced Jim Knowles recruiting him various times throughout his recruitment. He also has a close relationship with Penn State Safeties coach, Anthony Poindexter.
The Pennsylvania prep star is nearly 6-5 with incredible length. O’Brien projects as a very rangy, well-rounded Safety, and there is no doubt Knowles and Poindexter would deploy him there.
Where Things Stand With the Nittany Lions
With the 4 star Safety set to announce his commitment on Friday, let’s look at where Penn State stands with O’Brien.
Joey O’Brien has been to Penn State tons of times throughout his recruitment. This is no surprise given LaSalle is only 3 hours from State College. In addition to Penn State being the local, in state school for O’Brien, the Nittany Lions were also the first team to pitch the idea of playing both ways.
Penn State has a lot of things on their side in O’Brien’s recruitment. He is a PA kid. He has been to campus a bunch of times. Not to mention, Penn State standout and 2nd Overall NFL Draft pick, Abdul Carter is a fellow LaSalle College High School product.
So, Penn State is certainly in the ring for Joey O’Brien.
Penn State Football’s Top 2026 Target Joey O’Brien Details His Recruiting Process
O’Brien’s Final Four
With Joey O’Brien set to announce tommorow, he will choose between Penn State, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Clemson. Those are his top 4 teams.
O’Brien took official visits to all four of those schools this summer. He started his visit tour by visiting State College on May 16th. After visiting Penn State, he visited Clemson, followed by a visit to Eugene to check out the Ducks.
O’Brien finished his official visit tour by taking a trip to South Bend this past weekend.
Understandably, O’Brien has been impressionable throughout his recruitment. He likes all four schools and they all have great, unique things to offer.
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Our Prediction
So, given all of these things about O’Brien, where does NittanyCentral think he will land?
Ultimately, O’Brien has a very tough decision on his hands. All four schools are great, and he projects as a star wherever he goes.
In the end, it is hard for me to see a world where O’Brien doesn’t announce a commitment to Notre Dame tomorrow. The Fighting Irish seem to have all of the momentum in O’Brien’s recruitment right now.
The silver lining in this for Nittany Lion fans is that Joey O’Brien’s recruitment is likely far from over.
The in-state defender may announce a commitment elsewhere on Friday, but I would be shocked if O’Brien’s recruitment does not take more twists and turns after his announcement. Remember, Penn State’s goal is to get O’Brien to sign on Signing Day in December, not announce a commitment in August.
Don’t get me wrong, Penn State would love to secure a commitment from O’Brien tommorow, but even if he does not choose the Nittany Lions tommorow, Penn State will continue pushing hard for Joey O’Brien.
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Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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