With a football history dating back to 1889 and a head coach who led the program for 46 seasons, Penn State has built a strong and well-defined identity. While the Nittany Lions have long been known for producing top-tier linebackers and running backs, they are increasingly making a case as “Tight End U.”
Although George Kittle has popularized the title with his offseason training sessions in Nashville, no college program in recent years has rivaled Penn State when it comes to developing elite tight ends. Since James Franklin took over in Happy Valley, five Penn State tight ends have been selected in the NFL Draft, and this spring, Tyler Warren is poised to become the first to break into the first round.
Warren’s dominance under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki last season was so remarkable that he finished seventh in Heisman voting—an unprecedented feat for a tight end. His success has helped Franklin, Kotelnicki, and tight ends coach Ty Howle attract top-tier recruits to the program.
In the 2025 recruiting cycle, Penn State secured commitments from four tight ends: three-stars Matt Henderson and Brian Kortovich, four-star Jeff Exinor Jr., and Andrew Olesh, the No. 3 tight end prospect in the nation. Olesh, originally committed to Michigan, flipped to Penn State on signing day and is rated as a five-star recruit by On3.com.
With their 2025 class solidified, the Nittany Lions have now turned their attention to the 2026 class and four-star tight end Mack Sutter. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound prospect from Dunlap, Illinois, is ranked No. 106 nationally and the No. 6 tight end according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. On Saturday, Sutter revealed his top five schools, with Penn State making the cut alongside Illinois, Ohio State, Alabama, and Ole Miss. He has scheduled official visits with all five programs, making them key players in his recruitment.
Penn State’s proven track record of developing elite tight ends continues to pay dividends in recruiting. However, if Kotelnicki departs for a head coaching role next offseason—a move he strongly considered this winter—Franklin’s recent success in securing top tight-end talent could face a significant challenge.
