James Franklin added another name to Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class last week on Friday, July 4. Four-star edge rusher Tyson Harley officially committed to the Nittany Lions, turning down Michigan State, Maryland, Rutgers, and Virginia Tech.
Franklin has been on a summer tear, landing high-upside names along the East Coast. As the celebrations continued, a college football analyst broke down Harley’s gameplay and what it could mean for Penn State.
What Makes 2026 Recruit Tyson Harley Such a Strong Addition to Penn State’s Defense?
Former Penn State lineman and college football analyst Landon Tengwall got candid about Franklin landing four-star EDGE recruit Tyson Harley.
“Penn State picks up another four-star, and looking at Harley’s tape, I like what I see,” Tengwall said. “He looks like he moves very well. He is a fluid athlete, and he does a lot of chasing down of the quarterback.”
That assessment carries weight when you look at the numbers. Harley ranks as the No. 33 edge rusher nationally with an 89.71 composite score on 247Sports.
The 6’4″, 215-pound defender from Gonzaga High School is also the No. 2 player out of Washington, D.C. His film shows a sideline-to-sideline motor whose gameplay mirrors that of another Penn State star.
As Tengwall pointed out, “That’s something we saw Abdul Carter obviously do very well, and Chop Robinson too.” Harley posted 30 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and six sacks in just six games during his 2024 junior campaign. Those numbers came despite playing a limited schedule, showing his ability to make an impact when healthy.
Penn State still has Deion Barnes on its coaching staff, and that connection could prove valuable. Barnes, the Nittany Lions’ defensive line coach, has developed a reputation for mentoring edge rushers. Carter went on to become a first-round NFL Draft pick after working with Barnes. Tengwall sees something Carter-like in Harley’s skill set.
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“Honestly, the athleticism and speed, that’s what I like to see most in these young defensive ends,” Tengwall said. “Deion Barnes can fix the other things. He can fix the technical side of it, work those hands.” Barnes has that track record, and it likely played a role in Harley choosing Penn State over Michigan State.
The Spartans pushed hard to land Harley. Adding another blue-chip defender would have paired nicely with their growing 2026 class and helped a pass rush that needs future stars to compete in a conference full of elite offenses. Instead, Harley joins an equally loaded class at Penn State.
How Does Harley Fit Into Penn State’s 2026 Recruiting Class?
With Harley’s commitment, Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class ranks No. 14 nationally, according to 247Sports. Franklin and his staff are still searching for that elusive five-star headliner, but they’ve already secured 25 commitments. Harley becomes the ninth four-star prospect in the class.
Five-star EDGE Carter Meadows (@CarterMeadows_) and On300 EDGE Tyson Harley (@tysharley) getting in Sunday work. Two big Michigan targets. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/CSeMKYoPjz
— “EJ Holland” (@EJHollandOn3) April 6, 2025
The Nittany Lions have already landed dual-threat quarterback Troy Huhn from California, athlete Jackson Ford, running back Messiah Mickens, wide receiver Davion Brown, linebacker Terry Wiggins, and defensive lineman Alexander Haskell. Harley’s addition strengthens what was already a solid defensive haul.
Penn State’s class currently ranks fifth in the Big Ten behind USC, Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon. Although the 247Sports rankings dropped from No. 12 to No. 14 nationally, Franklin continues to recruit players who fit the program’s culture and development model.
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The Nittany Lions plan to use Harley’s athleticism in multiple ways. He can rush the quarterback but also has the speed to drop into coverage when needed. That versatility makes him valuable in today’s college football landscape, where defenses need players who can handle different responsibilities.
Franklin is building something sustainable at Penn State. After a 13-3 season that ended with a loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, the program has momentum heading into the 2025 season. If Harley develops as Tengwall predicts, the Nittany Lions may have found their next Abdul Carter, giving them another weapon for future playoff runs.
