Penn State Recruiting Target Chooses Clemson Over Nittany Lions
A highly sought-after Penn State recruit has decided to take his talents elsewhere, committing to a powerhouse program with the influence of a familiar face.
Kaden Gebhardt, a standout four-star safety from Olentangy, Ohio, announced his commitment to Clemson on Tuesday. The Class of 2026 recruit had been weighing offers from Penn State, Ohio State, and other top programs before ultimately choosing the Tigers. His decision was heavily influenced by former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who played a pivotal role in securing his commitment.
Gebhardt had originally planned multiple visits to Penn State this spring, including attending the Blue-White game on April 26. However, after a strong recruiting push from Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff, the young safety decided to take his future to the ACC. It remains uncertain if he will follow through with any of his previously scheduled visits.
Tom Allen, who spent a season coaching at Penn State before moving to Clemson following the 2024 season, was instrumental in landing Gebhardt. During his tenure in Happy Valley, Allen had begun recruiting Gebhardt, and once he transitioned to Clemson, he continued to nurture that relationship. The Tigers hosted the Ohio native for a visit in January and officially extended an offer. Less than two months later, Gebhardt committed to the program, reinforcing Clemson’s strong defensive pipeline.
Despite missing out on Gebhardt, Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class remains on solid ground. The Nittany Lions have already secured eight commitments, including top safety prospect Matt Sieg from Fort Cherry. While losing a player of Gebhardt’s caliber is a setback, the program continues to build a competitive class for th
e future.
