Penn State football is in the running for a four-star edge rusher, making his top three list of programs. The Nittany Lions are expected to hear his decision very soon.
Penn State won't have to wait long for a decision from its 2027 QB target
Class of 2027 defensive end Aidan O'Neil is between Penn State, Notre Dame, and Kentucky, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3/Rivals. Rivals posted on social media that O'Neil's commitment is coming on Friday, May 1.
🚨NEWS🚨 4-star EDGE Aidan O'Neil will announce his commitment on May 1, @Hayesfawcett3 reports‼️
— Rivals (@Rivals) April 29, 2026
O'Neil will choose between Penn State, Notre Dame, and Kentucky.
Details: https://t.co/QAWdJCUYxS pic.twitter.com/Nhv1D00p2x
Penn State will hear commitment decision from four-star edge rusher Aidan O'Neil on Friday, May 1
O'Neil is a four-star prospect who's ranked No. 110 nationally, No. 13 among edge rushers, and No. 3 out of recruits from New Jersey, per Rivals Industry Ranking. He's listed as the No. 140 recruit nationally, No. 15 at his position, and No. 3 from his state, per 247Sports Composite rankings, as well.
In 2025, the edge finished with 54 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His junior season earned him a spot on the NJ.com All-State selection for defense.
While the Nittany Lions have hit big on the defensive side of the ball, largely due to assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith, it's the Fighting Irish who are considered to have the best shot at landing O'Neil. Rivals has Notre Dame with an 89.1 percent chance at earning the edge rusher's commitment with the blue and white at a 3.6 percent chance.
O'Neil is scheduled to visit all three of his top schools as well as two additional programs. His official visits lined up before his commitment decision are:
- Indiana Hoosiers, May 15
- Kentucky Wildcats, June 5
- Penn State Nittany Lions, June 12
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish, June 19
O'Neil previously visited the Illinois Fighting Illini on an April 10. official visit. He saw the Wildcats for their Junior Day on January 31 as well. Before Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin was fired, O'Neil saw Happy Valley on an unofficial visit on March 29, 2025.
If Penn State earns his commitment, O'Neil joins a Class of 2027 that has just two defensive players not in the secondary: three-star defensive lineman Carter Blattner and three-star linebacker Blake Betton.
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