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Penn State

Penn State picks up key in-state commitment from Imani Christian Ath. Gabe Jenkins

Mug-Shot 4x4by: Ryan Snyder08/18/25RyanSnyderOn3
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Athlete Gabe Jenkins (Credit: Ryan Snyder | Blue White Illustrated)

It’s been just over 40 days since Penn State added commitments from four-star prospects Marlen Bright and Tyson Harley in its 2026 class. However, that drought ended on Monday afternoon, this time in the 2027 class, as the Nittany Lions locked up a verbal commitment from Pittsburgh native Gabe Jenkins.

A four-star prospect according to the Rivals Industry Rankings, Jenkins is now the third player from Imani Christian to commit to head coach James Franklin and his staff, joining current freshman and former 2025 recruit Dayshaun Burnett, as well as 2026 commit David Davis.

“I committed because I love Penn State,” Jenkins said. “They’ve been one of my top schools since I was young, and now both of my teammates are committed there. Who wouldn’t want to keep playing with them?”

Listed at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Jenkins mentioned back in March that Penn State liked the idea of him potentially growing into a linebacker at the next level. However, he clarified that the staff now likes him more at the safety position. That’s the same spot that Davis is expected to play when he enrolls.

“I’m getting recruited at safety, but they also told me that they love my running back film,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins is now the third Western Pennsylvania native in Penn State’s 2027 class, joining five-star running back Kemon Spell from McKeesport and four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor from Pine-Richland. Just like with Spell and Taylor, it was assistant coach Terry Smith, as well as members of the recruiting staff, who played a big role in getting this commitment over the line.

“I love Coach Terry. He’s a good person and one of the top defensive back coaches in the country, in my opinion,” Jenkins said. “He’s always kept it real with me. Coach Franklin is a good head coach, too. I’ve always really liked their staff.”

Throughout his recruitment, Jenkins totaled more than 20 scholarship offers. He’s totaled seven visits to Penn State since his freshman season and is already locked in to return to Happy Valley on Sept. 27 for this year’s White Out game against Oregon. Georgia, Michigan State, Ohio State, Pitt, UCF and West Virginia are some of the other schools he’s visited over that time span.

The Industry Rankings currently have Jenkins ranked No. 226 nationally for the 2027 class. He’s the 11th-ranked linebacker and the eighth-ranked player in Pennsylvania.