Penn State hosting 5-star QB commit against Ohio State in effort to flip PA native from Missouri
The Penn State Nittany Lions have plenty on their plate as they prepare for a showdown against the No. 4-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday. With key injury questions to quarterback Drew Allar and others, plus the monkey on James Franklin's back to win against a top opponent, the Nittany Lions are going even more […]
The Penn State Nittany Lions have plenty on their plate as they prepare for a showdown against the No. 4-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday. With key injury questions to quarterback Drew Allar and others, plus the monkey on James Franklin's back to win against a top opponent, the Nittany Lions are going even more in on this opportunity.
Penn State is also hosting 5-star quarterback Matt Zollers. The Missouri commit is a major flip target for Franklin and the Nittany Lions. Can they make inroads with Zollers this weekend?
A victory against No. 4 Ohio State would all but secure a place for the Nittany Lions in the college football playoffs, positioning Penn State for its first Big Ten title since 2016.
Given that this is the premier matchup on the college football schedule this weekend, it’s no surprise that Beaver Stadium will be teeming with a significant number of recruits. Nittany Sports Now has confirmed that over 150 high school recruits are anticipated to attend the game.
The lineup of recruits includes several current Penn State commitments, numerous local recruits from Pennsylvania, a large contingent of uncommitted four-star recruits from across the country, and a few prospects currently committed to other programs.
Zollers, from Spring-Ford High School in Royersford, Pennsylvania, verbally committed to Missouri on April 4, choosing the Tigers over Penn State, Georgia, and Pitt.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Zollers is rated as a five-star recruit by On3, placing him as the No. 18 player nationally, the third-best quarterback, and the top player in Pennsylvania.
In 247 Sports’ rankings, he is listed as the No. 53 overall player in the Class of 2025 and the seventh-best quarterback. Rivals also holds him in high regard, ranking him No. 105 overall and as the ninth-ranked quarterback.
Zollers’ senior season was cut short due to a severe dislocated ankle injury. Currently on crutches, he is reportedly unable to put weight on his left ankle. It’s said that he may start rehabilitation in about six weeks, with doctors optimistic about his full recovery within six months.
Penn State has received commitments from 25 recruits in their Class of 2025, including four-star quarterback Bekkem Kritza from Hollywood, Florida, but they clearly remain interested in pursuing Zollers.
Here's 247Sports' scouting report on Zollers:
Athletic quarterback prospect with a projectable frame that can whip the ball around the yard. Snappy upper and lower halves have him moving around like a middle infielder as he evades pressure or looks to pick up yardage on designed runs. Rather accurate on the move and has his fair share of off-platform throws on the highlight reel. Usually fires a tight spiral with no shortage of velocity. Wasn’t presented with a ton of opportunities to dial-up the deep ball as a junior, but can challenge defenses vertically and put a pass 60 yards in the air during the playoffs. Can get caught at times trying to do a little too much off-script, but should be viewed as a new-age signal caller that can make an impact both with his arm and his legs. Will likely need some time to get adjusted to the speed and demands of the college game, but took a big step forward as a junior and has proven to be a competitor under the lights.
