Penn State Football: Ranking 3 Freshmen Who Can Steal a Starting Job This Spring
March is here. And for Penn State Football, that means spring ball is just around the corner and football season will be here before we know it.
Just two short months ago Penn State welcomed 15 early enrollees from its 2025 recruiting class. That class slotted in as the 15th-best recruiting class in 2025 according to 247 sports.
With 15 enrollees already on campus, and the other 12 set to arrive in Happy Valley in the summer, let’s take a look at the three freshmen with the best chance to steal a starting job.
No. 3. CB Daryus Dixson
Dixson has had an impressive high school career. He ranks as the 88th-best player in the class of 2025 according to 247 Sports. He attended Mater Dei, a national power from the state of California.
During his senior year, Dixson recorded three interceptions as he helped lead Mater Dei to a state championship. Dixson has received rave reviews since arriving on campus.
With A.J. Harris penciled in to be CB1, that second cornerback spot will be up for grabs.
Elliot Washington appears to be the front-runner for the job with Audavion Collins, Kenny Woseley, and Jon Mitchell also factoring in. Although Dixson has received glowing reviews since he arrived on campus, he lacks the top-end speed needed to hang with some of the Big Ten’s best receivers.
However, if Dixson can keep up, he will have an outside chance to steal a starting spot opposite A.J. Harris.
2. DE/LB Lavar Arrington Jr.
He would probably be the first Arrington to star on defense in the history of the Nittany Lions right? Now so fast.
Son of Penn State Football legend Lavar Arrington, Lavar Arrington Jr. is set for an opportunity to steal a starting spot.
Lavar Arrington Jr. was a recruit that seemingly snuck under the radar nationally, but James Franklin said “We would recruit him whether or not he was Lavar Arrington’s son.”
Arrington possesses great athletic ability at 6-foot and 200 pounds and a frame that Chuck Losey should only continue to mold. Given those measurables, Arrington will probably have some positional flexibility, either as an outside linebacker or edge rusher.
With the loss of future top 5 NFL Draft pick, All-American edge rusher Abdul Carter, and the already thin linebacker room, Arrington Jr. will be positioned to possibly jockey for a starting position wherever he ends up, whether on the edge or at linebacker.
1. Matthew Outten
Does this surprise anyone?
Given Penn State’s lack of wide receiver production in the last two years, Matthew Outten comes waltzing into a land of opportunities in the wide receiver room.
The 6-foot-1 product out of Virginia is an early enrollee and certainly has a chance to make an impact at wide receiver.
A lot of people have compared his game to the likes of Cordarrelle Patterson. After watching his tape, I see where that comparison comes from, think Parker Washington.
At times, Outten looks more like a running back than a wide receiver, even taking snaps in the wildcat.
Additionally, Outten’s track speed certainly will help him push for a starting spot, likely competing against Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross, Kaden Saunders, and Tyseer Denmark.
I would expect Outten to at least factor into coordinator Andy Kotelnicki‘s offense as a gadget-type player or someone Kotelnicki tries to get a couple of touches in throughout the game.
MORE Penn State Football News from NittanyCentral:
- Tom Allen Sounds Off on Decision to Leave Penn State for Clemson
- Abdul Carter’s Best NFL Draft Fits, Most Likely Destination
A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission
