Can Penn State flip four-star Ohio State commit?

Penn State's recruiting in June was highlighted by blue-chip additions to the defensive line. The Nittany Lions secured three edge rushers, including four-stars Max Granville and Jayden Woods. Defensive Line Coach Deion Barnes played a huge role in securing these recruits and it seems he's not done.

Four-star prospect Zahir Mathis out of Philadelphia, committed to Ohio State back in January. Yet, a few weeks ago, Mathis took an official visit to Penn State with the belief that the Nittany Lions are serious about getting the PA native to flip his commitment from Ohio State to come to State College.

If Penn State were to flip his commitment, it would be another notch in Deion Barnes's belt and would bolster the pass-rushing in the 2025 class. At 6-foot-5, Mathis possesses a long frame with good reach and the 220-pounder has room to add weight. His coach at Imhotep, Devon Johnson, told PennLive that Mathis is a "freak of nature," and that "he could be the best defensive end to come through Imhotep." Mathis' performance at Imhotep has earned him an invite to the Under Armour Next All-America Game.

While some may say that by taking an official visit to Penn State, Mathis could simply be taking advantage of the recruiting process, this could be more. One interesting note is that fellow high school teammate, Jabree Wallace Coleman, committed to Penn State last month. Perhaps this factor could also cause Mathis consideration in flipping his commitment to the Nittany Lions.

There have been a lot of de-commitments over the recruiting landscape in the last month. Penn State lost Alvin Henderson, who switched his verbal to stay in-state at Auburn, and DJ McClary, who also decided to stay home switching his commitment to Rutgers. Should Penn State get Mathis to commit, the Nittany Lions will be adding both a quality and quantity of edge rushers for the 2025 class.