James Franklin Reignites Penn State’s 2026 Recruiting Class with In-State Commit David Davis
As Penn State gears up for Spring Football, James Franklin has struck a major recruiting victory by securing a commitment from three-star athlete David Davis, a standout from Pennsylvania’s 2026 class. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Davis, who was recruited by cornerbacks coach Terry Smith, is expected to play in the defensive backfield when he arrives at Happy Valley.
Penn State’s momentum in the 2026 recruiting cycle had stalled recently. After a strong start, the Nittany Lions faced a few setbacks. In February, they lost three-star wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford to de-commitment, and the departure of running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider to Notre Dame led to a wave of uncertainty surrounding their running back commits. With the Fighting Irish aggressively pursuing every remaining running back recruit, it seemed like Penn State’s recruiting class was beginning to lose steam.
However, Franklin’s ability to land Davis has given the program a much-needed boost. Davis’ commitment helps re-establish the Nittany Lions’ recruiting momentum and adds another key player to the growing 2026 class. While Davis is currently an athlete in high school, his skill set aligns perfectly with Penn State’s defensive needs, where he’s expected to contribute immediately in the secondary.
Davis’ addition is a sign of Franklin’s continued commitment to building a top-tier defense for the future. His versatility and talent make him a promising prospect for the Nittany Lions as they continue to solidify their defensive backfield for the upcoming seasons.
This commitment marks a pivotal moment for Penn State as they look to bounce back in the recruiting game, especially with the pressure from rival programs like Notre Dame. With Spring Football right around the corner, this win for Franklin and his staff is a crucial step in ensuring that Penn State remains a powerhouse in college football recruiting.
