4-star athlete Joey O’Brien is one of Penn State’s top targets in the 2026 recruiting class, and having a two-way plan could win James Franklin a key recruiting battle.
La Salle College High School in Philadelphia has a history of sending talented players to Penn State, including stars like Abdul Carter. However, the top recruit in Pennsylvania for the 2026 recruiting class (as rated by 247Sports) finds more than just that connection appealing about the Nittany Lions.
Joey O’Brien recently made an unofficial visit to Happy Valley and is set to return for an official visit in May. The four-star athlete left State College intrigued by the coaching staff’s strategy to utilize him on both offense and defense.
Penn State's specific plan to play blue-chip ATH Joey O'Brien both ways was the highlight of his latest visit to State College. He talks about that and more here: https://t.co/fuZnuZBTZO pic.twitter.com/b2r3QelJCK
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) April 20, 2025
Joey O’Brien could become a two-way star for James Franklin
Throughout college football history, many players have showcased their ability to excel on both sides of the ball. Legends like Deion Sanders, Champ Bailey, and Jabrill Peppers have captured attention as defensive backs also making significant contributions offensively. However, no one in the modern era has matched the impact of Travis Hunter.
Last season, Hunter claimed the Heisman Trophy as a true two-way star, excelling as a wide receiver with 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns while also playing 776 snaps on defense, recording four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He’s now looking to pursue a dual-role career in the NFL. While he hasn’t transformed professional football just yet, his remarkable college performance has shattered previous limits and influenced coaching strategies nationwide.
Ranked as the 48th recruit in the country, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound O’Brien may not be on track to become a Heisman contender, but he could emerge as Penn State’s first two-way player. If utilizing him at both wide receiver and defensive back helps James Franklin win a competitive recruiting race against schools like Clemson, Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee, and Ohio State, it could be a worthwhile endeavor.
Penn State has faced challenges in recruiting wide receivers but has thrived in bolstering its defensive backfield, thanks in part to cornerbacks coach Terry Smith and safeties coach Anthony Poindexter. As such, O’Brien’s skills might be best utilized on offense, and getting two players’ worth of talent in one prospect is certainly a bonus.
As Penn State aims for the College Football Playoff in the coming seasons, O’Brien could prove to be a vital asset for Franklin and his staff, and following Hunter’s standout year, he likely won’t be the last recruit drawn to the idea of playing both ways.
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