No. 1 Recruit Commits to Penn State Football, Says He Chose the Nittany Lions for Two Key Reasons***Read More***

Penn State football continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail, landing one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 class. Tight end Andrew Olesh, a highly regarded four-star recruit from Southern Lehigh High School in Pennsylvania, has officially committed to the Nittany Lions, giving James Franklin and his staff another powerful piece in their offensive arsenal. Olesh, who is ranked among the top tight ends nationally, announced his commitment with confidence and pride, stating that Penn State’s tradition and player development stood out above all else.

Olesh’s decision comes at a pivotal time for the program, which has made steady progress toward assembling one of the nation’s strongest 2025 recruiting classes. While several schools were in pursuit — including Michigan, Notre Dame, and Alabama — the in-state standout ultimately decided that Penn State offered the best combination of academics, athletics, and community support. His commitment is seen as a major recruiting win for the Nittany Lions, who have focused heavily on keeping elite Pennsylvania talent within state lines.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 230 pounds, Olesh brings a rare blend of athleticism and physicality to the tight end position. He has the versatility to stretch defenses vertically and the size to block effectively in Penn State’s run-heavy formations. Scouts describe him as a “complete tight end” — one who can impact the game both as a receiver and a blocker. His high school tape showcases his soft hands, crisp route-running, and ability to gain separation against linebackers and safeties, making him a difficult matchup for any defense.

Penn State’s coaching staff has made tight end recruiting a priority in recent years, and Olesh fits perfectly into that vision. The Nittany Lions have produced several standout tight ends who went on to the NFL, such as Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth, and Olesh’s skill set draws favorable comparisons to both. His decision to join the Lions reinforces the program’s growing reputation as one of the best destinations in college football for tight ends looking to reach the next level.

During his announcement, Olesh shared that he had two primary reasons for committing to Penn State — though he chose to keep the details private. Still, it’s widely believed that his close connection to the coaching staff and his desire to represent his home state played major roles. Sources close to his recruitment also suggested that Penn State’s commitment to player development and academic excellence were deciding factors. For Olesh, the decision wasn’t just about football — it was about finding a program that aligned with his goals and values both on and off the field.

Fans across Happy Valley are celebrating the news, viewing Olesh’s commitment as a significant step toward maintaining Penn State’s competitive edge in the Big Ten. His addition bolsters a 2025 recruiting class already filled with top-tier prospects at multiple positions, solidifying the Nittany Lions as one of the best recruiting programs in the country. Recruiting analysts have noted that Olesh’s pledge could help attract other highly ranked players, particularly offensive recruits who want to join a system known for balance and explosiveness.

Olesh’s journey to Penn State has been marked by hard work and dedication. Over the past two seasons, he has become one of the most dominant offensive players in Pennsylvania high school football, recording impressive statistics while leading his team deep into the playoffs. Coaches praise his leadership qualities and work ethic, noting that he’s the kind of player who elevates everyone around him. Those traits make him an ideal fit for the Nittany Lions, a team that values toughness, discipline, and teamwork.

With Olesh now officially committed, Penn State’s attention will shift toward preparing him for the transition to college football. The program’s strength and conditioning staff is known for helping freshmen adapt quickly to the physical demands of the Big Ten. Olesh’s combination of natural size and athletic ability gives him a strong chance to compete for playing time early in his collegiate career, particularly in red-zone and third-down situations where tight ends play a crucial role.

As the Nittany Lions look ahead to the 2025 season, Olesh’s commitment sends a clear message to the rest of the conference: Penn State is serious about staying among the elite. With top recruits like Andrew Olesh choosing Happy Valley, the future of the program appears brighter than ever. Fans can expect to see Olesh’s name become a familiar one in the years to come — not just in recruiting rankings, but on the field, where he’ll have every opportunity to become the next great tight end in Penn State history.