Where does Penn State rank in the 2025 Team Recruiting Rankings following the addition of Dayshaun Burnett?
Penn State remains hot on the recruiting trail, picking up commitment No. 10 in the Class of 2025 Wednesday from Imani Christian prospect Dayshaun Burnett.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Burnett has primarily played linebacker throughout his high school career. He earned an offer from the Lions in June 2022 after camping at that position, but he has the frame to continue adding weight. Because of that, he could fit in at linebacker or defensive end at the next level.
“Dayshaun Burnett is a dynamic athlete. We moved him all over,” said Imani Christian head coach LaRoi Johnson. “He’s played corner, safety, linebacker and he played off the edge. With his body type, there’s no telling what he’ll grow into, but athletically, the kid can do everything on the football field. I think that he’ll eventually transition into an edge rusher, but there’s really no telling where he’ll end up right now. I could see him playing in different packages as a linebacker, too.”
Burnett currently holds a four-star rating in On3’s Industry Rankings. Ranked No. 314 nationally, he’s the fourth-ranked player in the class. Linebacker DJ McClary is the top-ranked player at No. 71 nationally. He’s followed by Alex Tatsch (No. 292) and Kiandrea Barker at No. 306.
Following his decision, the Nittany Lions’ 2025 class held firm at No. 13 nationally in On3’s Team Recruiting Rankings for the class. They have an average grade of 90.513, which puts Penn State third overall in the Big Ten.
With ten total commitments, Penn State also has the biggest class in the Big Ten so far.
Understanding On3’s Team Rankings
For those unfamiliar with On3’s Team Rankings, there are two major differences compared to other sites that you need to know.
1) We use the Industry Rankings, which puts together all four major recruiting sites – On3, 247, Rivals and ESPN – to find a cumulative score for each prospect. It’s not based on just On3’s rankings.
2) On3’s Team Recruiting Rankings solve the problem of varying class sizes during the recruiting cycle by totaling the highest-rated commitments for each team based on a rolling average of current total commitments among Power Four schools. With it being so early in the cycle, that average is now up to four prospects. It was at three just a few days ago when Tatsch committed.
So, if you’re wondering why Penn State ranks substantially lower at On3 when compared to 247 and Rivals, it’s because we’re aiming to project which position the Nittany Lions are on pace to finish come National Signing Day.
Fans can read much more on On3’s Industry Team Recruiting Ranks by clicking here.
Around the Big Ten
As mentioned above, Penn State holds the most commitments so far, but because On3 is currently only grading the top handful of prospects in each class, the Lions still rank behind Ohio State and Oregon. Those schools sit at No. 2 and No. 6 nationally, respectively.
The Buckeyes have earned eight commitments so far. That includes two five-star cornerbacks: Alabama native Na’eem Offord and Texas native Devin Sanchez. In fact, six of their eight commitments so far rank inside the Top 100 nationally. That includes Philadelphia native Zahir Mathis. It’s still early, but Ohio State is once again off to an excellent start.
As for Oregon, the Ducks are up to four commitments so far. They’ve added three Top 100 prospects, including quarterback Akili Smith Jr. and wide receivers Dallas Wilson and Adrian Wilson. The Ducks were at No. 5 as of Monday but have since dropped to No. 6 now that On3 has expanded its pool from three to four players.
Behind Penn State, you’ll find Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska all in the Top 25. The Wolverines moved up one spot to No. 15 nationally since Monday. They have the least amount of commitments so far with just three players. Quarterback Carter Smith and defensive lineman Bobby Kanka both hold four-star ratings.
Wisconsin also moved up a spot to No. 20 overall. The Badgers have earned seven commitments, all of whom hold three-star ratings. Nebraska also moved up one spot to at No. 24 nationally with four three-star commitments so far.
