Penn State loses commitment from 2025 lineman Jaelyne Matthews
Penn State football is down a commitment in the Class of 2025. Toms River, N.J., four-star offensive lineman Jaelyne Matthews has re-opened his recruitment. The 6-foot-6, 273-pound junior-to-be originally picked the Lions back on Jan. 31. However, he made his plan to visit Georgia on May 31 public in the middle of the month. Now, he’s no longer part of the Penn State class.
*After careful consideration I have decided to respectfully decommit from Penn State,” Matthews wrote on Twitter. ”This has been a dificult decision, as I have the utmost respect for the university, its coaches, and the entire Penn State community.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaching staff, faculty, and fans at Penn State for their unwavering support and belief in me. The recruiting process has been an incredible journey, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity that Penn State offered me.l
“After much reflection and discussion with my family and mentors, I believe it is in my best interest to explore other options for my academic and athletic future. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes after countless hours of thought and contemplation.
“I kindly request that you respect my decision and the privacy of my family during this time. I look forward to the next chapter in my journey, wherever it may lead me.
“Thank you again to everyone at Penn State for your support and understanding.”
Matthews is likely to still consider head coach James Franklin’s program. He is not the first and will not be the last prospect to make an early decision before later decommitting. In fact, Penn State had it happen in the Class of 2024 with former four-star Mega Barnwell. He, of course, ultimately re-committed to the Lions before signing with them and enrolling back in January.
The On3 Industry Rankings call Matthews the nation’s No. 62 Class of 2025 player and the No. 7 offensive tackle. All four major recruiting services call him a top-100 player overall who is a top 15 talent at his position. The lineman had offers from all over before picking Penn State. Since, a number of schools have thrown their hat into the ring despite his previous commitment status. That list includes Florida, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Michigan in May. Back in March, Florida State extended an offer. Miami planned to host Matthews in March before he initially ended his recruitment in January. So, the Hurricanes are likely a program to watch now, as well.
Here is what On3 director of scouting Charles Power previously had to say about Matthews:
“It’s always a projection when you’re watching a sophomore offensive lineman. There’s a lot of development and football left to go, but I think he’s shown some really good early signs when it comes to his overall build and functional athleticism that have to leave you really encouraged.
When we were going through the 2025 rankings, we thought he was one of the high-floor, safer projections at offensive line. We did that back in August and September and really liked what we saw from him. But he also has that upside, given the length and the movement skills.”
Penn State now has just two verbal commitments in the Class of 2025.
6. Penn State Class of 2025 timeline
April 13, 2023 — Four-star Texas running back Kiandrea Barker, who is originally from Arkansas, commits.
March 27, 2023 — Three-star New Jersey cornerback Omari Gaines picks the Lions.
Jan. 30, 2023 — Four-star New Jersey offensive lineman Jaelyne Matthews picks the Lions. He has since decommitted.
7. How the Lions’ Class of 2025 breaks down by position
Cornerback — 1
Running back – 1
8. How the Penn State Class of 2025 breaks down by stat
New Jersey – 1
Arkansas – 1
