Special teams coordinator Justin Lustig was one of the remaining staff members from Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin's crew to stay with Penn State football. He joined the staff in 2024 and will stay on head coach Matt Campbell's staff moving forward into this new Nittany Lion era.
This Penn State transfer has ‘breakout star’ written all over him
On Thursday night, his son, wide receiver Henry "Hank" Lustig, committed to the Nittany Lions as a preferred walk-on.
He is a State College Area High School student from the Class of 2026, who earned first-team All-State honors in Class 6A with his team in 2025. Henry Lustig was a slot receiver and running back his senior season at five-foot-nine-inches and 155 pounds. He earned second-team honors from coaches as a kick and punt returner.
At wide receiver, Henry Lustig registered 41 receptions for 642 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also played on defense, logging 39 tackles, eight breakups, and two interceptions.
Wide receiver Henry "Hank" Lustig joins Penn State Class of 2026 as a preferred walk-on
The Nittany Lions' Class of 2026 is slowly redeeming itself. Henry Lustig becomes the 15th member of the recruiting class and fifth commit. Three-stars, linebacker Keian Kaiser, offensive tackle Pete Eglitis, and punter Lucas Tenbrock have yet to enroll. Safety Christian Askew is another commit yet to lock it down with Penn State.
Three-star running back D'Antae Sheffy (another State College Area recruit), quarterback Kase Evans, wide receiver Ben Whitver, safety Bryson Williams, wide receiver Josiah Zayas, wide receiver Amarion Jackson, offensive tackle Mason Bandhauer, and safety Tyrell Chatman are all enrolled from the Class of 2026. Four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone and four-star edge rusher Jackson Ford are the two enrollees who signed during the Early Signing Period before Campbell was officially hired. Falzone and Ford are also Pennsylvania natives.
As a preferred walk-on, Henry Lustig doesn't have to try out like a regular walk-on athlete. He has a guaranteed roster spot, but will not receive athletic aid through scholarship. Preferred walk-ons can earn athletic scholarships down the road of their collegiate career.
Outside of his class, Henry Lustig joins a growing group of wide receivers. Penn State earned commitments from Grambling State's Keith Jones as well as Iowa State's Zay Robinson, Chase Sowell, Karon Brookins, and Brett Eskildsen to boost the wideout room. Wide receivers Koby Howard and Peter Gonzalez both announced their intent on returning to Happy Valley and did not go back on their word during the period of the Transfer Portal being open. The portal closes on Jan. 16.