Penn State second signing day preview: 2 things to watch for on Wednesday
Penn State is ready for the second signing day.
The Nittany Lions, like many programs across the country, will have little in the way of fanfare on a day that the college football world used to revolve around. The early signing period, which first went into effect for the Class of 2018, changed that, of course.
Now, the third Wednesday in December is the biggest day for prospects to sign National Letter of Intent forms. At least, it is for now. More on that later.
First, we’ll take a look at two things Lions fans should be watching for today.
Will Vega Ioane pick Penn State or Washington?
Unlike some past cycles, Penn State actually is in the mix for one high school recruit’s signature today.
Graham, Wash., Graham-Kapowsin High On3 Consensus three-star offensive lineman Vega Ioane will make his choice known this morning. The Class of 2022 recruit is picking between the Lions and Washington.
Penn State snarred Ioane’s final official visit of the cycle. He was on campus last weekend for an all-expenses-paid 48-hour opportunity to check out the program. The Lions offered the lineman following his decommitment from the Huskies in mid-December as the PAC-12 school underwent a coaching change. Penn State then fought hard to fend off UCLA and others to host him on the final three days of the January contact period. Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein is Ioane’s primary recruiter. He was hosted by offensive lineman Landon Tengwall and defensive lineman D’Von Ellies.
“There were a lot of things to love about my visit down to Happy Valley, but I think one of the best parts would have to be sitting in that meeting room with Coach Trautwein, and him talking about how he runs his big boys and how he specifically trains them,” Ioane told BWI.
“The best takeaway from the visit would be knowing that if I do end up in PA, I would be taken care of by the coaches, players, and staff members.”
Latest on Lions’ pursuit of OL Vega Ioane
There is no question that Penn State put its best foot forward. But, Ioane’s proximity to Washington, previous commitment to the school, and the fact that position coach Scott Huff remains part of new head coach Kalen DeBoer’s staff have long made many think the Huskies are the favorite.
With all that said, Ioane also came all the way across the country despite everything listed above to see one final school. That could lead him to shock the recruiting world.
As of Wednesday morning, however, the On3 Recruiting Prediction machine calls Penn State the favorite by a 58.5 to 39.5 percent margin.
Ioane will announce his choice at 11:45 a.m. ET/8:45 local time at his high school.
Will Tyrece Mills sign?
Lackawanna College safety Tyrece Mills committed to Penn State in May of 2021. Despite that fact, he has yet to sign with the Nittany Lions.
Here’s what BWI’s Ryan Snyder wrote back in December after the early signing day:
“Tyrece Mills did not sign today, as he still has classes to finish at Lackawanna. Penn State still expects him to be a member of this class, but that’ll be something to keep an eye on in the weeks ahead.”
Snyder has since reported both inside The Lions Den forum and on the Blue-White Illustrated Penn State recruiting podcast that Mills is expected to sign with the Lions today. We’ll be keeping an eye on the program’s social media channels for official word throughout the morning.
Will signing days be changing in the future?
There is a growing consensus that the early signing day should be banished, even if it’s still relatively young.
Those in favor of that happening think it muddies the December calendar, as it causes more hecticness amid bowl games, coaching changes (which are sped up because of it), transfer portal movement, and the end of the regular season.
Time will tell how that plays out, but it was a topic of discussion on this week’s recruiting podcast, which you can view below.
