Three Things: What Penn State Fans Need to Know Following the Addition of LB Elijah Littlejohn
Penn State continues to bolster its defensive future with the commitment of linebacker Elijah Littlejohn, a rising name in the 2026 class. Hailing from North Carolina, Littlejohn brings athleticism, toughness, and upside to a linebacker room already known for producing NFL-caliber talent. While he may not yet be a household name, there’s plenty for Nittany Lion fans to be excited about. Here are three things Penn State faithful need to know about their newest defensive addition.
—
1. Littlejohn’s Athleticism and Range Are a Perfect Fit for Manny Diaz’s Defense
Standing at approximately 6-foot-1 and weighing in around 210 pounds, Elijah Littlejohn isn’t just a thumper—he’s an athlete. His film shows fluid lateral movement, quick-twitch acceleration, and natural instincts when diagnosing plays. Whether it’s tracking down a ball carrier in open space or dropping into coverage, Littlejohn fits the mold of what defensive coordinator Manny Diaz covets in his linebackers: versatility and speed.
Diaz’s system is built on aggression and flexibility. It demands linebackers who can blitz, cover tight ends, and clean up sideline-to-sideline. Littlejohn already shows flashes of that kind of hybrid capability as a high school underclassman. With continued development, he could easily become a three-down linebacker at the next level.
—
2. He’s a High-Upside Prospect with a Steady Climb in the Rankings
While not a blue-chip prospect yet, Littlejohn has been turning heads on the camp and 7-on-7 circuits. His recruiting momentum is beginning to spike, and Penn State’s early investment could pay off big down the road. He’s considered a high-upside prospect, the type who could shoot up recruiting boards as he fills out his frame and sharpens his fundamentals.
Penn State’s coaching staff, particularly James Franklin and linebackers coach Robb Smith, saw something in Littlejohn that convinced them to move early. That kind of evaluation and foresight has led to success stories in the past—think of how the staff developed former three-star Micah Parsons into a college superstar and now NFL All-Pro.
—
3. Littlejohn’s Commitment Strengthens PSU’s Southern Pipeline
The Nittany Lions have made it a point in recent years to expand their recruiting territory, and North Carolina has been a key battleground. Adding Littlejohn continues that trend and reinforces Penn State’s presence in a region that’s been increasingly fertile with talent. By getting in early on a Southern linebacker, Franklin’s staff is showing that they’re willing to go toe-to-toe with SEC programs for top targets.
Beyond geography, it also shows the growing brand of Penn State football. Littlejohn’s commitment is another sign that prospects from outside traditional Big Ten territory see value in what Penn State offers: NFL development, elite facilities, and a culture of accountability.
—
Bottom Line: Elijah Littlejohn is a name for Penn State fans to remember. He may be a developmental prospect at this stage, but he checks a lot of boxes that have historically led to big-time success in Happy Valley. With his combination of speed, instincts, and upside, he could very well be the next great linebacker to wear the blue and white.
