5-star LB Zayden Walker sets Penn State official visit
One of the nation’s top linebackers will head to Happy Valley this summer.
Ellaville (Ga.) Schley County five-star linebacker Zayden Walker announced on social media that he will take an official visit to Penn State from June 7-9.
This visit adds to a list of summer officials for Walker — joining Georgia (May 31), Miami (June 14) and South Carolina (June 21).
Georgia currently leads in Walker’s recruitment, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, with a 77% chance of landing the elite linebacker. On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons logged an expert prediction favoring the Dawgs back in September.
“At different times, there have been different programs competing with Georgia for the top spot on Walker’s list. But Georgia has always been right there at, or near the top. South Carolina was viewed as a strong contender early. Florida State has had Walker on campus numerous times. Miami came on over the summer. All three programs are still there, as are others, but early on, all are chasing Georgia. I like where the Bulldogs sit for Walker and have put in a pick for the Bulldogs on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.” — Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting (Sept. 17, 2023)
Zayden Walker Recruit Profile
Walker is the nation’s No. 16 overall prospect, No. 2 linebacker and No. 4 recruit from Georgia in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:
“The early front-runner for top EDGE prospect in the 2025 cycle as a rising junior. An unverified 6-foot-2, 220 pounds. Flashes a high-end combination of on-field athleticism and functional play strength. Lines up in both two and three-point stances off the edge. Shows noticeable first-step quickness off the snap. Very strong at the point of attack. Plays with excellent leverage and uses his strong lower body to move offensive linemen both as a bull rusher and run defender.
“Makes some eye-popping plays in pursuit, showcasing high-end athleticism in tracking down ball carriers from the back side. Doubles as a dangerous running back, using his athleticism and strength to pick up yards after contact. Helped his team to a state title appearance as a sophomore.”
Penn State Class Breakdown
In the 2025 cycle, the Nittany Lions already have 11 commits — the second most in the nation, behind only Notre Dame. Franklin and his staff continue to make hay recruiting in Pennsylvania and the Northeast.
The linebacker room is set to be stacked in Happy Valley. The three highest-ranked commits in the fold for PSU are all LBs. Jersey City (N.J.) Henry Snyder four-star DJ McClary headlines as a top-150 overall prospect.
McClary is flanked by Latrobe (Pa.) Greater four-star Alex Tatsch and Pittsburgh Imani Christian four-star Dayshaun Burnett. Tatsch was one of the biggest risers in the latest 2025 On300 rankings, as he jumped all the way to No. 52 overall.
Pittsburgh North Catholic four-star tight end Brady O’Hara is a top-25 player at his position. Barker and Hayes provide some firepower in the backfield.
Other top commits include Canonsburg (Pa.) Central Catholic three-star cornerback Xxavier Thomas, Boulder (Colo.) Fairview three-star quarterback Bekkem Kritza and Avon (Conn.) Old Farms three-star offensive tackle Owen Aliciene.