BREAKING NEWS: Penn State picked up another four-star prospect yesterday, adding linebacker Elijah Littlejohn from North Carolina.
He earned more than two dozen offers, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan and Tennessee
Penn State football’s recruiting hot streak continues. On Sunday, the Nittany Lions secured the commitment of four-star linebacker Elijah Littlejohn, a defensive standout from North Carolina, who chose James Franklin’s program over powerhouse offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and Tennessee.
Littlejohn, ranked among the top linebacker prospects in the 2026 class, brings a rare blend of size, speed, and instinct that has made him one of the most heavily recruited defenders in the country. His announcement gives Penn State yet another defensive cornerstone as the program looks to solidify its reputation as a national contender.
A Recruiting Win in the South
Hailing from North Carolina, Littlejohn had his pick of premier SEC and Big Ten programs. Earning more than two dozen scholarship offers, his decision to commit to Penn State underscores the Lions’ growing national reach and ability to pull elite talent out of traditionally SEC-dominated territory.
“This decision came down to trust and development,” Littlejohn said. “Penn State felt like the right place for me—not just for football, but for my future. The coaches believed in me from day one, and that meant everything.”
Building a Defensive Wall
For defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, Littlejohn represents the type of high-motor linebacker the Nittany Lions have long been known for producing. Analysts see him as a perfect fit in Penn State’s aggressive defensive scheme, which has churned out NFL-caliber linebackers for decades.
“Penn State just landed one of the most instinctive linebackers in this cycle,” said 247Sports analyst Brian Dohn. “Littlejohn closes gaps fast, reads plays exceptionally well, and plays with the physicality you want in the Big Ten.”
Momentum for the 2026 Class
Littlejohn’s pledge adds to an already strong recruiting class for Penn State, which continues to climb in the national rankings. With multiple blue-chip commitments already secured, the Nittany Lions are building what many expect to be one of the best hauls in the James Franklin era.
The commitment also serves as another reminder to Penn State’s rivals: the Nittany Lions are not only competing with the SEC’s elite—they’re beating them for top-tier talent.
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