Penn State’s hot run on commitments continued Monday with the commitment of Virginia linebacker Mathieu Lamah.
A talented linebacker from northern Virginia has committed to Penn State, further strengthening the Nittany Lions’ presence in the region. Mathieu Lamah from Nokesville (Va.) Patriot announced his commitment to the team on Monday, just days after discussing his decision with head coach James Franklin.
The key reason for his choice was Penn State’s plan to utilize Lamah as a middle linebacker who can effectively lead and manage the defense.
“I believe this is the ideal fit for me, as I match their needs on defense,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Lamah. “My size and length align with the Mike role they’re seeking.”
Last season, Lamah excelled as an inside linebacker, quickly reading plays and effectively filling gaps while showcasing his physicality. He ended the season with 87 tackles, six of which were for loss.
According to Lamah, both Nittany Lions linebackers Dan Connor and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles affirmed that his versatility and athleticism suit their defensive strategy.
“They’re very versatile,” Lamah noted. “They have multiple approaches to attacking the offense, and I believe I can thrive in that system, especially under the guidance of Dan Connor and Jim Knowles.”
Key Information:
What Lamah Says About Penn State:
“It means a lot to join such a reputable and organized program that’s consistently in title contention and ranked in the top 10.”
Other Programs in Pursuit:
Penn State extended an offer shortly after Lamah’s visit for the November White Out game, rapidly becoming a frontrunner. He returned for another visit in January and came back last month, although other schools were also vying for his commitment. He had official visits lined up with Michigan, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech, as well as spring visits to all four programs. Rutgers and Kentucky were also in his top six, but ultimately, Penn State secured his commitment following a visit from linebackers coach Dan Connor.
Lamah’s Recruitment Ranking:
Lamah holds a 247Sports grade of 87, ranking as the No. 58 linebacker nationally and the No. 17 player in Virginia. The 247Sports Composite places him as the No. 543 player in the class of 2026 and the No. 42 linebacker.
Lamah’s Fit at Penn State:
He is the second linebacker to join Penn State’s recruiting class, following Terry Wiggins’ commitment a few days earlier. Lamah is also the 15th member of the class and the fifth to commit since April 15. With these commitments, Penn State has risen to the No. 4 spot nationally and No. 3 in the Big Ten. Their 15 commitments tie with Syracuse for the second most in the country, but they trail behind USC’s 27.
Analyst Insights on Lamah:
Clint Brewster, a national scouting analyst with 247Sports, shared his assessment:
“Lamah is very physical between the tackles, showcasing impressive downhill speed to the ball. He effectively fills gaps in the run game and has the size and length to cover considerable ground. He is a high-energy player who sets the defensive tone early.
“He should adjust well to the Big Ten’s demanding style of play. He can shed blocks to reach his gap and can contribute to pass rush scenarios, though his strength lies in stopping the run. With his college-ready size, he could make an impact quickly, especially on special teams, where his physicality and attitude can really stand out.”
Leave a Reply