BWI Live: Penn State getting ready for critical visit weekend after Diaz departure
It’s a big weekend for the Penn State Nittany Lions recruiting department. Not only is it the final weekend to bring the Recruiting Class of 2024 together one last time, it’s also an official visit weekend for transfer portal players. On top of that, news broke Thursday night that Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is leaving to be the head coach at Duke.
Need to make sense of everything? Join the BWI Live Recruiting Show today at 10 a.m. to hear from recruiting insiders Ryan Snyder and Sean Fitz as they discuss the major landmarks that fans need to know this weekend.
Penn State loses Diaz to Duke
The news didn’t become official until late Thursday night, but reports and rumors swirled for most of the day that Diaz would be the next coach at Duke. Penn State head coach James Franklin addressed the news on social media Friday morning.
“We truly appreciate everything Manny and his family contributed to Penn State the past two seasons,” Franklin said. “Our team and staff have nothing but respect for Manny and the leadership he brought to our program. He was a tremendous teacher, mentor, and friend while in Happy Valley. We wish him and his family all the best at Duke!”
We’ll start the show by discussing Diaz’s departure from the program and the overall effect it will have on the team. So, how will it affect recruiting? And how does the timing of this move affect the team’s ability to find a replacement? Our experts dig into that at the top of the show.
Top 10
- 1
JF on the road
Where he's at
- 2New
Thoughts on the offense
After three weeks
- 3
T-Frank Film Room
A look at the defense
- 4
Bye week plan
For Penn State football
- 5Hot
'26 Rivals300
Where PSU commits rank
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Penn State official visit weekend
The Nittany Lions have several official visits from the transfer portal here this weekend as well. Former high-four star wide receiver Andre Green Jr. announced that he’ll be in Happy Valley this weekend to meet with the Penn State staff, as will Alan Herron, an offensive lineman from Shorter University.
Fitz and Snyder will give some details about what to expect from the portal window this winter, including these two visits. It’s also the last weekend that the Penn State recruiting Class of 2024 will come together before the early signing period begins on Dec. 20. The duo will discuss why this weekend is important and why the staff brings this group together.
State Championship preview
Lastly, Snyder has been following the PIAA State Championships this weekend. Several Penn State commits and recruits are in action this weekend. He’ll recap how Tiqwai Hayes performed Thursday night and preview the players you should follow this weekend in the final games in 2023.