Where does Penn State now sit in the 2025 Team Recruiting Rankings following Josh Johnson?
Penn State picked up another key target in the Class of 2025 Monday with the addition of defensive back Josh Johnson. A three-star prospect from Ironton, Ohio, Johnson is ranked substantially higher by On3 compared to other major recruiting sites. Not only does he hold an 89 overall rating, which is the highest three-star rating possible, but he’s also ranked No. 41 at the cornerback position and No. 17 in the state of Ohio. Compare that to the Industry Rankings, which place him at No. 948 nationally, No. 82 at cornerback and No. 35 in the state of Ohio.
However, because On3 uses its Industry Rankings to determine where each team ranks nationally, the addition of Johnson doesn’t impact where Penn State ranks nationally, as the Lions remain at No. 16 nationally and fifth in the Big Ten.
Head coach James Franklin and his staff now hold commitments from 12 four-star prospects and 13 three-star players.
Understanding On3’s Team Rankings
For those unfamiliar with On3’s Team Rankings, there are two major differences compared to other sites that you need to know.
1) We use the Industry Rankings, which puts together all four major recruiting sites – On3, 247, Rivals and ESPN – to find a cumulative score for each prospect. It’s not just based on On3’s rankings.
2) On3’s Team Recruiting Rankings solve the problem of varying class sizes during the recruiting cycle by totaling the highest-rated commitments for each team based on a rolling average of current total commitments among Power Four schools. Currently, that average sits at 17.
So, if you’re wondering why Penn State ranks lower at On3 when compared to 247 and Rivals, it’s because we’re aiming to project where the Nittany Lions are on pace to finish come National Signing Day.
Fans can read much more on On3’s Industry Team Recruiting Ranks by clicking here.
Around the Big Ten
Ohio State remains the top overall team in On3’s Team Rankings with 26 commitments total. Ryan Day and his staff are on pace for a very impressive class, with 10 of their 26 players ranked inside the Top 100 nationally. They also hold commitments from three of the nation’s Top 10 overall players: quarterback Tavien St. Clair, as well as cornerbacks Devin Sanchez and Na’eem Offord.
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You’ll find Oregon at No. 2 overall in the conference. The Ducks were as high as No. 4 nationally at one point, but they’ve since dropped to No. 7 in the nation with 16 commitments total. Oregon is the only other Big Ten program that ranks inside the Top 10 currently. Seven of the remaining eight schools are in the SEC, while Miami currently sits at No. 10.
Commit Impact: What is Penn State getting in defensive back Josh Johnson?
USC has been up and down throughout this cycle, losing a few five-star commitments back in the summer. However, the Trojans are now up to 21 commitments total in the class and are ranked 11th nationally. In September, USC added two Top 100 prospects that Penn State pursued, locking up wide receiver Jerome Myles and linebacker Ty Jackson.
Michigan is ranked No. 14 nationally. The Wolverines hold commitments from 16 players, 12 of whom hold a four-star rating or better. That includes Pennsylvania native and the nation’s third-ranked tight end, four-star Andrew Olesh. The Nittany Lions are hoping to host Olesh for a visit in November.
Washington (No. 20), Wisconsin (No. 24) and Nebraska (No. 25) round out the Big Ten schools among the Top 25 nationally.
