Breaking: Penn state commit lavar keys clarifies his status following official visit elsewhere
Penn State football commit Lavar Keys has broken his silence and offered clarity on his recruiting status after raising eyebrows by taking an official visit to another school over the weekend. The four-star linebacker, who verbally pledged to James Franklin’s Nittany Lions earlier this spring, had social media buzzing after he was seen on campus at another Power Five program.
Keys, considered one of the more promising prospects in Penn State’s 2025 recruiting class, made headlines when photos surfaced of him touring facilities and posing with coaches during an official visit to SEC contender Auburn. The development left many Penn State fans questioning whether the linebacker from Georgia was rethinking his commitment.
However, Keys addressed the situation publicly on Monday morning, aiming to put an end to speculation and reaffirm his stance.
“I’m still locked in with Penn State,” Keys said in a brief but direct statement shared via his social media channels. “That’s my school. Coach Diaz, Coach Franklin—we’ve got something building up there. But I did want to honor all my options before signing day.”
While Keys’ decision to visit other schools might seem like a red flag to some, it’s become increasingly common in the modern recruiting landscape, where even committed players are encouraged to evaluate their options thoroughly. NIL opportunities, coaching changes, and depth chart evaluations all factor into a recruit’s final decision.
Penn State’s coaching staff was reportedly aware of Keys’ plans to take a visit elsewhere and remains confident in his commitment. A source close to the program said, “We’re in constant communication with Lavar. He’s been transparent with us from day one. There’s no panic here.”
Keys also took the opportunity to express why he initially committed to Penn State, emphasizing his relationship with the coaching staff, the academic support in place, and the university’s strong tradition of developing defensive talent.
“When I was up in Happy Valley, it just felt like home,” he said. “They showed me how I could fit into the defense right away, and I connected with a lot of the current players. It’s more than football up there—it’s family.”
Despite the statement of reassurance, some recruiting analysts are expected to keep a close watch on Keys’ movements leading up to December’s National Signing Day. A player of his caliber will undoubtedly remain a target for other top programs looking to flip commitments.
Still, as of now, Lavar Keys remains firmly in Penn State’s 2025 class and says he’s looking forward to returning to campus for a game day visit later this fall.
“I want to be up there when Beaver Stadium is rocking,” Keys said with a smile. “That energy is unmatched. I’m excited about what’s ahead.”
While the situation created a brief stir in recruiting circles, Keys’ public reaffirmation should provide some relief to Nittany Lions fans hopeful that the standout linebacker will eventually sign his National Letter of Intent and bring his talents to Happy Valley.
