BREAKING NEWS: Penn State Coach James Franklin Had a Clear, Concise Message for Blue-Chip Prospect Joey O’Brien During Crucial Visit
April 21, 2025 — Penn State head coach James Franklin didn’t mince words when top quarterback prospect Joey O’Brien stepped onto campus this past weekend for an unofficial visit. With multiple Power Five programs aggressively pursuing the five-star signal-caller, Franklin made his message to the Pennsylvania native loud and clear: “We want you. You can lead this program. And we’re ready to build around you.”
O’Brien, ranked among the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class, has quickly become one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. With elite arm strength, pocket presence, and a high football IQ, he’s drawn comparisons to NFL-caliber talents and holds offers from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and USC, among others.
But Penn State has a unique advantage in the recruiting battle: geography and relationships. O’Brien, who plays for Central Catholic in Pittsburgh, grew up watching the Nittany Lions and has long admired Franklin’s work in building a competitive Big Ten program. That familiarity wasn’t lost on Franklin during the visit, which sources say was “highly organized, intimate, and intentional.”
According to those close to the visit, Franklin’s pitch was direct. “There was no fluff,” said one source. “Coach Franklin wasn’t selling hype — he was selling opportunity and legacy.”
The visit included a tour of Penn State’s updated Lash Building facilities, time with offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, and a film session where coaches broke down how O’Brien’s skillset could fit within the Nittany Lions’ offensive scheme. The highlight, however, was the one-on-one conversation between Franklin and O’Brien in his office — a moment where Franklin made it crystal clear that O’Brien was Penn State’s top priority at quarterback.
“He told Joey, ‘You can be the face of this class. You can be the guy who others follow,’” said a recruiting insider familiar with the meeting. “It wasn’t about what Penn State could offer in NIL or hype. It was about trust, development, and the chance to build something special.”
O’Brien has not yet named a list of finalists, but he’s expected to trim his choices this summer and could make a commitment before the start of his senior season. Penn State’s position in that race has strengthened considerably after this weekend’s visit, and Franklin’s personal investment in the process has clearly resonated.
For Franklin, who is entering his 12th season in Happy Valley, landing a talent like O’Brien could be a program-defining move — especially in an increasingly competitive Big Ten landscape that now includes powerhouses like USC and Oregon.
With quarterback depth becoming a make-or-break element in the modern college football era, Penn State’s pursuit of O’Brien isn’t just about landing a talented arm — it’s about securing a foundation for the future.
As for O’Brien, he left State College reportedly “impressed and thoughtful,” according to a family source. Whether that message from Franklin sealed the deal remains to be seen — but there’s no doubt it made an impact.
This recruitment battle is far from over — but Penn State just made its biggest move yet.