Top Pennsylvania Recruit Reveals Why He Chose Penn State Over Ohio State and Michigan in Heated Big Ten Recruiting Battle
When it comes to Big Ten recruiting, few states are more fiercely contested than Pennsylvania. The Keystone State has long been a battleground for some of the nation’s top college football programs, and when a blue-chip recruit from within its borders makes a decision, it sends ripples across the entire conference. That’s exactly what happened when elite 2025 linebacker Malik Thompson out of Harrisburg announced his commitment to Penn State, choosing the Nittany Lions over powerhouses Ohio State and Michigan.
Thompson, a consensus four-star recruit and the top-rated linebacker in Pennsylvania, had offers from nearly every major program in the country. But in the end, it came down to three: Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan. All three made compelling cases, offered elite player development, and promised a chance to play on the biggest stages in college football. So why did Thompson ultimately pledge to stay home and suit up in blue and white?
The answer, according to Thompson himself, lies in a mix of trust, relationships, and an emotional connection to the Penn State program that simply couldn’t be matched.
“Penn State just felt like home,” Thompson said during his announcement ceremony at Harrisburg High School. “From the moment I stepped on campus, it was different. The coaches didn’t just talk football. They talked life, school, future. I felt like they truly cared about me as a person, not just as a player.”
That kind of sentiment matters more than ever in today’s recruiting landscape. While facilities, NIL opportunities, and program prestige still play a major role, players are increasingly placing value on genuine relationships and long-term development. And Penn State head coach James Franklin has built his program around that very philosophy.
Franklin, himself a Pennsylvania native, made Thompson a top priority from the moment the linebacker emerged as a national prospect. He and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz were regular presences at Thompson’s games, practices, and even family events. The consistency and visibility left a lasting impression.
“They were there when it mattered,” Thompson said. “Coach Franklin was always real with me. He told me how I could fit into the defense, what I needed to work on, and how I could leave a legacy at Penn State.”
But what about the other contenders? Ohio State, a perennial national title contender, offered a proven pipeline to the NFL and a defense loaded with future pros. Michigan, fresh off another College Football Playoff run, countered with an elite development program and a defense that had just sent multiple players to the first round of the NFL Draft. Both made strong impressions.
Thompson visited both campuses multiple times, met with players and staff, and left each visit impressed by what he saw. Still, something kept pulling him back to Penn State.
“Ohio State and Michigan are great programs—no doubt,” Thompson admitted. “But when I sat down with my family and really thought about where I wanted to grow as a man, where I wanted to build my future—it kept coming back to Penn State.”
A key turning point in his recruitment came during an unofficial visit to Happy Valley in late spring. While on campus, Thompson got a private tour of Penn State’s new player development facility, sat in on defensive meetings, and had a one-on-one film session with linebackers coach Robb Smith. That visit, according to sources close to Thompson, helped solidify his decision.
“They showed me exactly how they plan to use me,” Thompson said. “Coach Smith broke down tape of how Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter were used in different packages. He told me I could be the next in that line—not just a linebacker, but a playmaker all over the field.”
That defensive versatility appealed to Thompson, whose game is defined by range, explosiveness, and high football IQ. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, he’s the prototype for the modern linebacker—fast enough to drop into coverage, strong enough to take on blocks, and instinctive enough to make plays sideline to sideline. He’s also a vocal leader, often seen directing traffic on the field and energizing teammates after big stops.
Still, Penn State wasn’t just pitching football. The academic support, player wellness programs, and proximity to home also factored in.
“Being close to my mom, my little brother—it matters,” Thompson said. “They can come to every home game. I can be there if they need me. That gives me peace of mind.”
It’s a major recruiting win for Penn State, especially in the context of the Big Ten’s shifting dynamics. With USC, Oregon, UCLA, and Washington entering the conference, the need to lock down local talent is greater than ever. For Franklin and his staff, keeping a high-level in-state player from defecting to Ohio State or Michigan is both a symbolic and strategic victory.
Ohio State, in particular, has historically recruited well in Pennsylvania, pulling stars like Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Julian Fleming in recent cycles. Michigan has also had success, especially with players from the Philadelphia area. But with Thompson’s commitment, Penn State draws a line in the sand—declaring that the best players in Pennsylvania should stay in Pennsylvania.
Thompson becomes the centerpiece of a rapidly rising 2025 recruiting class for the Nittany Lions. He joins four-star defensive lineman Elijah Fields and top-100 athlete Cameron Hill as early building blocks. Recruiting analysts believe Thompson’s decision could have a ripple effect, encouraging other local standouts to consider staying close to home.
“He’s that type of kid,” one Big Ten recruiting coordinator said. “He’s respected across the state. Other kids look up to him. This could absolutely spark a wave for Penn State.”
And that wave couldn’t come at a better time. As Penn State looks to break through in the expanded College Football Playoff format, the ability to field a roster filled with elite, homegrown talent will be crucial. Thompson brings not only athletic ability but also leadership, discipline, and an understanding of what it means to represent the program with pride.
In a college football world increasingly shaped by NIL, transfer portals, and realignment, Malik Thompson’s decision feels refreshingly rooted in tradition and values. It’s a reminder that for many top athletes, relationships and family still matter. That being part of a legacy—rather than chasing one elsewhere—has real appeal.
For Penn State, it’s a major win. For Ohio State and Michigan, it’s a reminder that in-state recruiting battles can never be taken for granted. And for Malik Thompson, it’s the first step in what promises to be an impactful, memorable college career—one that he hopes will bring championships back to Happy Valley and inspire the next generation of Pennsylvania stars to follow his lead.
