Although Penn State Football Recruiting’s 2025 class is almost complete, the Nittany Lions have been pushing for a few pieces to close out the cycle.
The Nittany Lions did just that on Monday night, securing the commitment of three-star safety Joshua Johnson out of Ironton, Ohio.
Johnson had been one of Penn State‘s top overall targets remaining on the 2025 board and was a priority for the Penn State staff as they try to close out the 2025 class.
In the last home game before November against UCLA a few weeks ago, Penn State took the opportunity to host four flip targets on campus before the Nittany Lions headed on a two-game road trip.
Johnson was one of the four targets Penn State pushed to get on campus before the road trip. After the UCLA game, Johnson decommitted from Louisville and opened his recruitment.
Joshua Johnson’s Recruiting Journey to Penn State
Johnson had been committed to Louisville since June 14, and had visited Penn State on June 7, the week before his initial commitment.
The Nittany Lions were able to get Johnson back on campus for the UCLA matchup. After taking in the Nittany Lions win over UCLA, Johnson told On3 Sports’ Ryan Snyder that Penn State “still believe[s] Penn State is the place that would be best for my future.”
According to 247 Sports, the visit for the UCLA game was Johnson’s fourth visit to Happy Valley during his recruitment and his first game visit since his first visit against Rutgers last season where he picked up his offer.
Penn State Football was the third team to offer Johnson in his recruitment, according to 247 Sports, behind UMass and West Virginia, back in November 2023.
Penn State needed to add another safety to the 2025 class, with only one other safety committed in the class. Penn State lost the commitment of three-star safety Antonio Branch Jr. in September after Branch decommitted to the Nittany Lions and committed to Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes.
Johnson, listed as a cornerback by 247Sports, is ranked as the number 83 cornerback and the number 929 overall player in the 2025 class. According to MaxPreps, Johnson has accumulated 27 tackles, two passes defended, and one interception in four games this season for Ironton High School.
After Johnson’s commitment, Penn State’s 2025 class sits 14th nationally with 25 overall commits. The class pairs Johnson with fellow safety commit Braswell Thomas out of New Jersey.
The Nittany Lions should be close to the end of the 2025 class, with a few spots remaining for a few flip targets or late risers.
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