BREAKING NEWS: Ohio Tight End Brian Kortovich Flips Commitment to Penn State
In a significant late addition to its 2025 recruiting class, Penn State football has secured a commitment from tight end Brian Kortovich, who recently decommitted from Purdue. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound prospect from Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, Ohio, announced his decision on December 3, 2024, just one day before the early signing period began.
A Strategic Shift
Kortovich’s decommitment from Purdue came shortly after the university dismissed head coach Ryan Walters following a challenging season. This coaching change prompted Kortovich to reevaluate his options. He had previously committed to Purdue in June 2024 but began considering other opportunities as the coaching landscape shifted.
Penn State capitalized on this development by hosting Kortovich for an official visit during the weekend of the Maryland game. The Nittany Lions’ 44-7 victory, coupled with the atmosphere at Beaver Stadium, left a lasting impression on the tight end. Kortovich described the environment as “awesome,” noting that despite the stadium not being as packed due to the Thanksgiving weekend, it “did not disappoint.” He further expressed enthusiasm about the relationships he built with the coaching staff, players, and support staff during his visit. citeturn0search1
A Promising Addition
Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and a four-star by On3, Kortovich is considered the No. 26 tight end nationally and the No. 21 player in Ohio. During his senior season, he recorded 500 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a dual-threat tight end capable of both blocking and receiving duties. citeturn0search8
Penn State’s tight end coach, Ty Howle, has been instrumental in developing talent at the position, and Kortovich’s versatile skill set aligns well with the program’s offensive schemes. His commitment adds depth to a position that has seen significant contributions in recent seasons.
Looking Ahead
Kortovich joins a growing list of talented recruits in Penn State’s 2025 class, which continues to gain momentum as National Signing Day approaches. His decision to flip from a Big Ten rival underscores the Nittany Lions’ appeal and the program’s commitment to building a competitive roster.
As Penn State prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of Kortovich enhances the team’s prospects at the tight end position and adds another promising player to its recruiting class.
For more updates on Penn State football recruiting, visit gopsusports.com and nittanylionswire.usatoday.com.