BREAKING: 5-Star TE Zak Herbstreit Stuns College Football World with Shocking Commitment Flip from Ohio State to Penn State — A Recruiting Earthquake in the Big Ten
In a move that has sent shockwaves rippling through the college football landscape, 5-star tight end Zak Herbstreit has flipped his commitment from Ohio State to Penn State — a stunning twist in one of the most heated recruiting battles of the year and a seismic shift within the Big Ten.
Herbstreit, the son of ESPN analyst and former Buckeye quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, was long considered a lock for Ohio State. His deep family ties to the university, coupled with months of strong recruiting signals from Columbus, made his initial commitment to the Buckeyes unsurprising. However, just when it seemed Ohio State had secured a future star, Herbstreit pulled off one of the most dramatic flips in recent memory by announcing his decision to join James Franklin and the Nittany Lions.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Herbstreit said in a statement released on social media. “Ohio State will always be part of who I am, but after prayer, reflection, and deep conversations with my family and coaches, I believe Penn State is where I belong — both as a player and a person.”
The news hit Ohio State fans like a thunderclap. Losing a top recruit is one thing — losing a legacy prospect, who was expected to be a foundational piece of the Buckeyes’ 2025 class, is another entirely. Herbstreit, ranked as the No. 1 tight end in the country and a top-15 player overall, brings a rare blend of size (6’5”, 240 lbs), speed, and elite hands that make him a matchup nightmare for defenses.
His flip gives Penn State a massive recruiting win and further underscores the Nittany Lions’ rising momentum under Franklin. For years, Penn State has flirted with breaking through the Big Ten’s “Big Two” of Ohio State and Michigan — and landing Herbstreit may be the kind of jolt that finally pushes them over the edge.
Franklin, known for his relentless recruiting style, was reportedly in contact with Herbstreit for months behind the scenes, emphasizing the program’s tight end-friendly offense and strong culture. With former Nittany Lions like Pat Freiermuth and Mike Gesicki excelling in the NFL, Herbstreit saw a clear developmental path and a chance to leave his own legacy at a rival school.
“This is the biggest recruiting win for Penn State in years — maybe decades,” said one national recruiting analyst. “This isn’t just about flipping a player; it’s about flipping the narrative. It shows that Penn State can beat the blue bloods for the biggest names in the game.”
The commitment flip also adds an intriguing layer to future Ohio State–Penn State matchups. Herbstreit will now be lining up against his father’s alma mater — and possibly becoming a central figure in a new era of Big Ten rivalries.
As Herbstreit suits up in blue and white, the shockwaves from this recruiting earthquake will continue to rumble — not just in Columbus and Happy Valley, but across the entire college football world.
