Penn State picks up 2025 commitment from offensive tackle Owen Aliciene
Penn State picked up its eighth commitment in the Class of 2025 Sunday, as Connecticut offensive tackle Owen Aliciene announced his decision via social media. Listed at 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, Aliciene was just on campus Saturday for junior day.
Currently holding a three-star rating, Aliciene picked up an offer from Penn State back in May. At the time, he had visited once prior in March to watch a spring practice. He returned for two more visits after that, attending the Lasch Bash Barbecue in July and the season opener against West Virginia.
While on campus in the summer, Aliciene also camped with offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.
“The camp was really fun and competitive, which was one of the best parts,” Aliciene said at the time, when asked what stood out about both camp and the Lasch Bash. “There were a lot of great players out there who were all working hard. My second highlight would probably be how they made it fun for everyone, including families, with the yard games and the great food they served us. The third would be meeting with O-line staff. It’s always great to connect with them and see what they have to say about my development.”
His relationship with Trautwein is one of the key factors that put the Nittany Lions in the driver’s seat early.
“I like the fact that he is a coach who knows how to connect with players in not only football but also life,” Aliciene said. “His reputation from others is very high, which makes it easy to trust what he says. He also is very encouraging and a great guy to talk to.”
Aliciene earned 18 scholarship offers. Since most of his games were on Saturday this fall, Penn State was one of just two schools he visited. The other took place at the end of November when Aliciene traveled to Duke for its game against Pitt.
Overall, Aliciene visited seven schools prior to his decision. In addition to Penn State and Duke, he’s been to Boston College, Kentucky, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Rutgers. Those five schools all hosted him back in the spring.
Aliciene is the fifth offensive player to join the class so far. The Nittany Lions also hold commitments from running backs Kiandrea Barker and Tiqwai Hayes, quarterback Bekkem Kritza and tight end/offensive lineman Brady O’Hara.
According to On3’s Industry Rankings, Aliciene is the 37th-ranked offensive tackle in the 2025 class. He currently ranks No. 530 nationally.
