Four-star LB Justin Hill includes Penn State among top schools
Penn State already holds one commitment from a coveted 2025 linebacker in New Jersey native DJ McClary. Now, another four-star prospect has confirmed that the Nittany Lions are among his top schools in Ohio native Justin Hill.
Last night, the Cincinnati native announced his Top 10, including Penn State, Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and USC.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Hill is listed as an edge rusher by On3 but is being recruited to play linebacker by the Nittany Lions. He’s totaled more than two dozen scholarship offers to this point, visiting Penn State for the first time back in November for the home finale against Rutgers.
“I really loved the environment,” Hill said. “They made it feel like somewhere I could make my home. Coach [Alan Zemaitis], Coach [James] Franklin, and Coach [Manny] Diaz are all my guys. Obviously, Coach Diaz isn’t there anymore, but I’ve had a decent amount of contact with the new DC [Tom Allen]. I’m just looking forward to meeting him in person, as well as making it out to the White Out Game. I can’t wait for that.”
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So far, Hill has visited Ohio State the most, taking three visits to Columbus since last March. Kentucky has also hosted him twice, with Alabama, Cincinnati and Michigan also getting him on campus throughout the past year.
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Hill now has three visits in the works for January, beginning with a trip to Athens on Jan. 13 to meet with Kirby Smart and his staff at Georgia for the first time. He then plans to return to Cincinnati, Jan. 20, before flying out to Oregon for the first time on Jan. 27. Hill added that Ohio State and Penn State are both being considered for a final visit before the dead period begins on Feb. 3.
Like so many other top prospects in Ohio, it won’t be easy for any school to get him out of the state. Hill has admitted on a few occasions that he grew up a fan of the Buckeyes.
“They’re just a great program,” Hill said, referring to Ohio State. “Ohio State has been my dream school since I could remember, but after visiting all these other places, I realized my decision will be a little harder.”
According to On3’s Industry Rankings, which combine On3, 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN for a cumulative grade, Hill is ranked No. 165 nationally and seventh overall in Ohio. On3’s rankings rate him even higher at No. 127 nationally. Hill was named the Cincinnati Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He also earned first-team all-state honors in Ohio.
