We could be headed for a WPIAL recruiting battle between Pitt and Penn State.
The top ranked kicker in the Class of 2026 is 5-star Harran Zureikat from Fox Chapel High School.
A month ago, Jacob Bronowski extended him an offer, which resulted in Zureikat scheduling an official visit to Pitt (June 19-21)
Well, Zureikat just added an interesting chapter to his recruiting story.
This weekend, Zureikat took part in a prospects camp at Penn State and afterwards, he received word that he’d earned a scholarship to James Franklin’s program.
Upcoming Recruiting Battle Between Pitt and Penn State Heats Up
As the 2025 college football recruiting cycle intensifies, all eyes are turning toward a renewed battle between two historic Pennsylvania programs: the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. With both programs aggressively pursuing top in-state talent and key regional prospects, the recruiting rivalry is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Historically, Penn State has had the upper hand in recruiting due to its Big Ten status, larger national profile, and consistent top-25 finishes. James Franklin’s staff has excelled at locking down elite Pennsylvania talent while pulling from surrounding states like New Jersey, Maryland, and Ohio. The Nittany Lions already hold several commitments from 4-star players in the 2025 class and are pushing hard to secure a top-10 national ranking in recruiting once again.
However, Pitt, under head coach Pat Narduzzi, is mounting a serious challenge. Despite facing budgetary and exposure limitations compared to Penn State, Narduzzi has developed a reputation for finding under-the-radar talent and turning them into NFL prospects. With back-to-back strong recruiting classes and increasing investment in facilities and NIL opportunities, the Panthers are becoming a more formidable presence on the trail.
Several high-profile prospects from Pennsylvania are at the center of this recruiting tug-of-war. Names like 4-star linebacker Cameron Barnes from Harrisburg and wide receiver Jalen Worthy out of Philadelphia are being heavily courted by both programs. Pitt is selling a vision of early playing time and development in a system that has produced NFL-caliber talent. Meanwhile, Penn State is offering a chance to play on a bigger national stage with more frequent access to postseason opportunities.
Beyond the player pitch, both coaching staffs have intensified their efforts with campus visits, personal engagement, and use of social media to build relationships. It’s become clear that the battle for Pennsylvania’s best isn’t just about football — it’s also about brand building, NIL packages, and long-term development potential.
With national signing day still months away, the outcome of this rivalry could have long-term implications not only for state pride, but also for future ACC and Big Ten competitiveness. As the recruiting cycle unfolds, expect the Pitt vs. Penn State battle to be a defining storyline in shaping Pennsylvania’s college football future.
