Breaking: James Franklin looking to flip 2026 five-star Maryland commit to Penn State…..
James Franklin, head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, is reportedly aiming to flip a major recruit in the 2026 class—five-star defensive back, Isaiah McCullough, who is currently committed to the Maryland Terrapins. McCullough, a dynamic and highly touted prospect out of the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, has garnered attention from top programs across the country, but his commitment to Maryland has kept the Terps’ fanbase optimistic about their future on defense.
However, Franklin and Penn State are making a concerted effort to bring McCullough into the fold. The Nittany Lions have been one of the most consistent programs in the Big Ten under Franklin, having established themselves as perennial contenders in both conference and national recruiting battles. McCullough, who is known for his exceptional ball skills, speed, and high football IQ, is viewed as a cornerstone piece for any defense looking to make an immediate impact.
Franklin has a proven track record of securing top-tier talent from the DMV region, and he’s looking to use that influence to convince McCullough to switch his commitment. While McCullough’s ties to Maryland are strong, Penn State’s impressive defensive development and proximity to home could be enough to sway him. The recruitment battle for the five-star defensive back is just beginning, and it will be interesting to see how the dynamics between Franklin’s program and Maryland evolve in the coming months.
