Penn State trending for pair of blue-chip WRs

Penn State made another splash on the recruiting trail earlier this week, landing a commitment from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star cornerback Daryus Dixson. The Nittany Lions now have a top-15 recruiting class this cycle, but James Franklin and Co. are far from finished.

With 14 commits in the class, there’s still plenty of room in Happy Valley. Next to join the pledge list could be a pair of blue-chip wide receivers, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

PSU isn’t far from home for either Harrisburg (Pa.) Susquehanna four-star Lex Cyrus or Baltimore McDonogh four-star Jeff Exinor. Both have taken a plethora of trips to campus, including official visits this month.

Earlier this month, Penn State recruiting insider Ryan Snyder logged a pick in favor of the Nittany Lions landing Cyrus. Less than a week later, BWI’s Sean Fitz did the same for Exinor. The Big Ten program looks to be ahead for both touted pass-catchers.

Cyrus likes the fit at Penn State

Cyrus was in Happy Valley multiple times in 2023, including two fall visits to catch games at Beaver Stadium. He logged his official visit on the weekend of May 31, his first visit since November. Once again, Franklin, receivers coach Marques Hagans and Co. made an impression.

“I felt like I fit in well with all the guys. My family said they felt the same way. They felt like they were important to the staff and they trust me being there away from them for the first time if I decide that’s where I want to be,” Cyrus told BWI after the OV.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder logged an OV to South Carolina last weekend and also visited Maryland back in the spring. Cyrus is the No. 223 overall prospect and No. 30 wideout in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3 ranks Cyrus much higher than other recruiting services, however. He checks in at No. 109 overall and is also a top-20 WR and the No. 5 player in the Keystone State, according to the 2025 On300.

OV made an impact on Exinor

As for Exinor, he took his official visit to Penn State over the weekend — his second trip to PSU this year. The red carpet was rolled out and the Balitmorean thoroughly enjoyed his time back on campus.

“It was great,” he told BWI. “I mean, I’ve been up there a bunch but it still was better than expected. Just great vibes everywhere. I really got to dive deep into just how it is to live and be up there on a daily basis as well as get a sneak peak into how they envision me in their offense.”

The process for Exinor features a few more contenders, as he’s also taken an OV to Maryland and is set to take officials to Syracuse and Maryland across the next two weekends to round out June. Signs continue to point toward the Nittany Lions, however.

Exinor is the No. 344 overall prospect, No. 52 WR and No. 9 player in Maryland this cycle. Currently, Penn State’s 2025 class features one receiver in Brooklyn Erasmus Hall On3 four-star Lyrick Samuel.