- MAJOR BOOST: Penn State Surges to No. 4 in 2026 Recruiting Rankings After Landing Top Virginia Linebacker Mathieu Lamah
Penn State football continues its recruiting dominance with the commitment of highly touted Virginia linebacker Mathieu Lamah, propelling the Nittany Lions to the No. 4 spot in the national Class of 2026 rankings.
Lamah, a four-star recruit out of Woodbridge, Virginia, made his decision public earlier today, choosing Penn State over a slew of powerhouse programs including Michigan, Georgia, and Clemson. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker is known for his explosive speed, instinctual play, and relentless motor — traits that make him a perfect fit for Penn State’s aggressive defensive scheme under head coach James Franklin.
“I felt at home in Happy Valley,” Lamah said during his announcement. “The coaching staff has a vision for my development, and the atmosphere is unmatched. I’m ready to be a part of something special.”
His commitment marks a major win for Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class, which has been quietly gaining momentum over the past few months. Lamah joins a group that already includes standout quarterback Trey McNair and elite offensive lineman Jordan Hall, further solidifying the Nittany Lions’ reputation as one of the top talent pipelines in the country.
Recruiting analysts are calling Lamah a “day-one contributor” and a “future defensive captain,” praising his versatility and leadership qualities. He’s expected to make an immediate impact in the linebacker corps, a unit that has been a cornerstone of Penn State’s success in recent years.
Coach Franklin expressed excitement about the addition: “Mathieu is exactly the type of player we want — smart, tough, and committed to excellence. He’s going to do big things here.”
With Lamah on board and more top targets still on the radar, Penn State’s 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in program history.
