The Penn State Nittany Lions picked up transfer defensive tackle Owen Wafle, who previously played for conference rival Michigan, after the Orange Bowl. Now in the official visit season for the class of 2026, head coach James Franklin and his staff have sought out his younger brother, Luke Wafle.
When Owen entered the transfer portal, the Nittany Lions came into the picture after not offering a scholarship to the defensive tackle in his recruiting season.
Franklin did not forgo the Wafle brothers this season.
Like his older brother, Luke is ranked as a 4-star recruit, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. He's the No. 55 recruit overall, No. 6 edge overall, and No. 1 pick out of New Jersey.
The high-ranked edge rusher received 30 offers, including Penn State from defensive line coach Deion Barnes. With the time to declare his commitment nearing, Luke narrowed the list down to five schools.
The Nittany Lions will have to oppose four schools to land the recruit: Big Ten rivals USC and College Football Playoff champion Ohio State, and SEC's Florida and Texas.
His official visit with the Nittany Lions on June 6 was one of his three last schools on his schedule. Luke visited the Trojans on June 13 and will see the Longhorns on June 20.
However, Beaver Stadium was not new to him. Twice before, he unofficially visited after receiving his scholarship offer. During the Blue-White spring game on April 26, Luke attended, watching his brother on the field.
Seeing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' system for the first time, especially with his older brother on the defensive line, caught his eye in a positive way.
If Luke commits to Penn State, he will join seven other 4-star recruits from the class of 2026 and eventually play with his older brother during his remaining three years of eligibility.
The other 4-star recruits include quarterbacks Peyton Falzone and Troy Hunh, wide receiver Davion Brown, running back Messiah Mickens, offensive tackle Kevin Brown, linebacker Terry Wiggins, and safety Matt Sieg.
Currently, Penn State has no edge commits from the class of 2026. Adding Luke would not only enhance the 4-star talent on the defensive end but check off one more position in the recruiting class.
As the Nittany Lion defense has consistently been a strong suit, Franklin still looks to enhance it as much as possible, especially with the ever-changing college football landscape. While the transfer portal has both hurt and helped Penn State, it will be in Franklin's best interest to capitalize on the 2026 recruit sooner rather than later.