BREAKING: Penn State Lands Long-Time Target, Philadelphia DT Alex Haskell
In a major recruiting win for Penn State, the Nittany Lions have officially landed one of their top defensive priorities in the 2025 class — Philadelphia defensive tackle Alex Haskell. After a long courtship between the two sides, Haskell announced his commitment to Penn State earlier today, delivering a significant boost to the program’s defensive line depth.
Haskell, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound force in the trenches, has been on the radar of Penn State’s coaching staff for well over a year. The standout from Northeast High School in Philadelphia had received offers from a number of high-profile programs across the country, including Michigan, Ohio State, and Georgia. But in the end, it was Penn State’s consistent presence and long-standing interest that helped seal the deal.
“They’ve believed in me from day one,” Haskell said during his commitment video. “Coach \[James] Franklin and Coach \[Deion] Barnes have been like family throughout this process. It feels like home in Happy Valley.”
The four-star defensive tackle is considered one of the top interior linemen in the state and brings a mix of strength, quickness, and high football IQ to the position. His ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage and collapse the pocket made him a top priority for several Big Ten schools.
Penn State’s defensive line coach, Deion Barnes — a Philadelphia native himself — played a crucial role in building the relationship with Haskell. Barnes has been instrumental in Penn State’s recruitment efforts in the Philly area and is widely respected by local high school coaches and players alike.
With Haskell now in the fold, Penn State’s 2025 recruiting class continues to take impressive shape. His commitment marks another win for the Nittany Lions within state lines, a major goal for Franklin’s staff as they aim to keep top talent close to home.
Analysts say Haskell has the tools to make an immediate impact at the college level, though he may need some time to adjust to the speed and complexity of Big Ten football. Still, his physical traits and work ethic suggest he could be a contributor sooner rather than later.
“Alex is a game-changer,” said Rivals analyst Brian Dohn. “He’s explosive off the snap and plays with great leverage. Penn State got themselves a cornerstone defensive lineman.”
The news of Haskell’s commitment has been met with excitement by Nittany Lion fans and alumni, many of whom have been tracking his recruitment for months. Social media lit up with reactions shortly after his announcement, with messages of support pouring in from Penn State players, coaches, and fans.
Haskell is expected to officially sign with Penn State during the early signing period in December, and will likely enroll next summer. Until then, he’s focused on finishing his high school career strong and preparing for the next chapter in Happy Valley.
