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Penn State

2025 safety Omari Gaines decommits from Penn State

hunterby:Hunter Shelton•03/01/24•

HunterShelton_

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PSU safety commit Omari Gaines (Credit: Ryan Snyder/Blue White Illustrated)

Newark (N.J.) Malcom X Shabazz three-star safety Omari Gaines has decommitted from Penn State, he announced Friday morning.

The 6-foot-2.5, 185-pounder was pledged to the Nittany Lions since March 2023.

Gaines is the No. 619 overall prospect and No. 43 safety in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 20 player in New Jersey.

For more Penn State recruiting intel, check out BWI.

“I would like to start by thanking Coach Franklin and the entire PSU staff for giving me the opportunity to accept a scholarship at PSU. I would also like to thank Nittany Lion Nation for all their love and support, but after numerous conversations with my family, I have decided to decommit from Penn State University and re- open my recruitment,” Gaines wrote in his announcement.

Penn State Class Breakdown

The loss of Gaines brings Penn State to 11 commits in the 2025 cycle — which is still tied for the second most in the nation, as of March 1. The Nittany Lions’ class ranks No. 11 in the 2025 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

The three highest-ranked commits in the fold for PSU are all LBs. Jersey City (N.J.) Henry Snyder four-star DJ McClary headlines as a near top-100 overall prospect.

McClary is flanked by Latrobe (Pa.) Greater four-star Alex Tatsch and Pittsburgh Imani Christian four-star Dayshaun Burnett. Tatsch was one of the biggest risers in Monday’s updated 2025 On300 rankings, as he jumped all the way to No. 52 overall.

Pittsburgh North Catholic four-star tight end Brady O’Hara is a top-20 player at his position. Beebe (Ark.) The Woodlands three-star running back Kiandrea Barker and Aliquippa (Pa.) three-star RB Tiqwai Hayes provide some firepower in the backfield.

Other top commits include Canonsburg (Pa.) Central Catholic three-star cornerback Xxavier Thomas, Boulder (Colo.) Fairview three-star quarterback Bekkem Kritza and Avon (Conn.) Old Farms three-star offensive tackle Owen Aliciene.