BREAKING: 5-Star TE Zak Herbstreit Stuns College Football World with Shocking Commitment Flip from Ohio State to Penn State — A Recruiting Earthquake in the Big Ten
In what will surely go down as one of the most dramatic twists of this recruiting cycle, 5-star tight end Zak Herbstreit has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape by flipping his commitment from Ohio State to Penn State. The unexpected move, announced late Tuesday night on Herbstreit’s social media accounts, represents a seismic shift in the Big Ten recruiting battle and has ignited fierce debate among fans, analysts, and insiders alike.
Herbstreit’s decision is monumental not only because of his elite talent at one of football’s most coveted positions, but also because of the storied rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State. The flip signals a major victory for Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin and his staff, while leaving the Buckeyes scrambling to regroup after what many viewed as a cornerstone piece of their 2025 recruiting class suddenly slipped away.
A Star on the Rise
Zak Herbstreit, the son of former Ohio State quarterback and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, has long been seen as one of the top tight end prospects in the nation. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 245 pounds, Zak blends size, athleticism, and polished receiving skills that make him a matchup nightmare for defenses. He has been a dominant force on the high school field, terrorizing opposing secondaries with his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches in traffic.
Herbstreit’s recruitment drew national attention from the start. With scholarship offers from powerhouse programs across the country — including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, and of course Ohio State and Penn State — he had no shortage of options. When he committed to Ohio State last year, it seemed like a natural fit. His family legacy, proximity to home, and the Buckeyes’ reputation for developing NFL-caliber tight ends all appeared to seal the deal.
That’s why Tuesday’s announcement came as such a shock.
The Stunning Flip
In his announcement, Herbstreit wrote: “After much reflection, conversations with my family, and prayer, I have decided to decommit from Ohio State and commit to Penn State University. This was not an easy decision, and I have great respect for Coach Day, Coach Bailey, and the entire Ohio State staff. But I believe Penn State is the best place for me to grow as a player and as a person. I’m excited to join the Nittany Lion family and help bring championships to Happy Valley.”
Sources close to the situation point to several factors that may have contributed to the decision. Penn State’s recent success in utilizing tight ends in their offense — including producing recent NFL Draft picks — clearly played a role. Additionally, James Franklin and tight ends coach Ty Howle reportedly built a strong, trusting relationship with Herbstreit during the recruiting process, emphasizing a vision where he would be a focal point of the Nittany Lions’ attack.
It’s also believed that Penn State’s continued investments in facilities, NIL opportunities, and player development resonated with Herbstreit as he weighed his options.
A Recruiting Earthquake in the Big Ten
The impact of Herbstreit’s flip cannot be overstated. For Penn State, landing a player of his caliber at a position of need represents a massive win and signals to other top recruits that the Nittany Lions are serious about competing for Big Ten and national titles. Herbstreit is now the highest-rated player in Penn State’s 2025 class, which has surged into the top five nationally following his commitment.
For Ohio State, the news is a gut punch. Zak Herbstreit wasn’t just another recruit — he was a legacy, and his decommitment stings from both a talent and a symbolic perspective. The Buckeyes’ staff will now have to pivot, seeking alternatives to fill a suddenly gaping hole at tight end in their class. While Ohio State remains a recruiting powerhouse, missing out on Herbstreit will fuel rival narratives and could have ripple effects as other recruits consider their options.
Fan and Media Reaction
The college football world wasted no time in reacting to the news. Ohio State fans flooded social media with shock and disappointment, while Penn State supporters celebrated what they see as a game-changing addition. National media outlets quickly labeled the flip as one of the most surprising moves of this recruiting cycle.
Some Buckeyes fans expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of urgency in securing Herbstreit’s commitment, while others tipped their caps to Franklin and his staff for pulling off what many thought was impossible. Meanwhile, recruiting analysts praised Herbstreit for making a mature decision focused on his future rather than legacy or external pressure.
What’s Next?
For Zak Herbstreit, attention will now turn to his senior season of high school football and preparing to join Penn State’s program next year. He will undoubtedly face heightened expectations, but his talent and work ethic suggest he is more than ready to embrace the challenge.
For Penn State, the focus will be on building around their new star commit, both on the recruiting trail and on the field. Herbstreit’s decision could help Penn State make inroads with other top offensive targets, strengthening their 2025 class even further.
For Ohio State, the loss will sting, but the Buckeyes remain one of the top destinations for elite talent. How Ryan Day and his staff respond in the coming weeks will be closely watched.
One thing is certain: Zak Herbstreit’s flip from Ohio State to Penn State has added a dramatic new chapter to the storied rivalry between these Big Ten giants — and set the stage for future showdowns that will be even more compellin