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Damari Simeon decides tonight: Will the New Jersey four-star pick Penn State?

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel06/27/25GregPickel
Damari Simeon by Mick Walker -- Lettermen Row --
Damari Simeon (Mick Walker/Lettermen Row)

Penn State is already one-for-one when it comes to Friday announcements from top targets in the Class of 2026 after landing Pennsylvania four-star edge Jackson Ford. Will it go two-for-two when Egg Harbor Twp., N.J., St. Augustine Prep four-star defensive lineman Damari Simeon makes his college choice public later today? The Nittany Lions are one of the schools in the running ahead of his announcement. Everything you need to know to get ready for it is below.

When is Damari Simeon picking his college home?

Simeon is announcing his commitment at 5 p.m. ET. It currently looks like he will share the news on his Twitter feed. You can view it here.

Who are the contenders besides Penn State?

Four schools are still in the running to land Simeon. Penn State, Texas, Ohio State, and Michigan are the finalists for the 6-foot-2, 275-pound recruit. His time to decide comes after taking official visits to all four schools. He saw the Wolverines at the end of May before stopping to see the Nittany Lions, Longhorns, and Buckeyes during the next three weeks of June, respectively. Penn State has hosted him more than any other school during his recruitment. Simeon has previously said that his on-campus experiences would play a big role in his decision.

“The most important factors to me and my family for deciding on a school are academics, player development, the coaches and program tradition,” Simeon told On3’s Chad Simmons in December.

“I have to get a feel for everything in person. No matter how much research you do, seeing everything in person gives you the best feeling about the school and the program. I try to look for things that differentiate a school from the others and what the school can provide that others can’t.”

The On3 Industry Rankings call Simeon a four-star who is the nation’s No. 182 player, No. 20 defensive lineman, and No. 3 player in the state of Pennsylvaia. On3’s own scouting team is even higher on the pass rusher. In its rankings, he is Nos. 65, 7, and 2, respectively.

What does the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine say?

Simeon has kept his cards close to the vest throughout his recruitment. But, an On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine for Ohio State from On3 Vice President for Transfer Portal and Recruiting Steve Wiltfong on Thursday swung the RPM in favor of the Buckeyes, who are now considered the favorites to land the four-star.

You’ll want to check The Lions Den forum throughout the afternoon for more on Simeon’s announcement.

What has Simeon said about the Nittany Lions?

As noted above, Simeon has not shared many public thoughts about his recruitment. His last interview with On3 that mentioned Penn State came all the way back in December following a trip to campus.

“They have some of the best D-Linemen in the country year after year and it is close to home,” Simeon told On3’s Chad Simmons. “I went to the White Out game this year and it was the greatest game day experience I’ve witnessed.”

Where can I learn the latest on Simeon’s announcement throughout the day?

Blue-White Illustrated subscribers can learn more all day long inside The Lions Den forum. Not a subscriber but want to become one? Follow THIS LINK to sign up for Blue-White Illustrated for just $1 for one week of access to premium team news, insider recruiting intel, the latest Penn State transfer portal news, the Lions Den message board, and so much more. 

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