Matthew Outten, Nationally-Ranked Wide Receiver, Commits to Penn State!
Penn State Secures Elite Playmaker as Outten Chooses Happy Valley.
Penn State football has landed a major
recruiting victory with the commitment
of Matthew Outten, a nationally ranked
wide receiver out of Virginia. The 6’2”,
190-pound playmaker had offers from
powerhouse programs across the
country but ultimately chose the Nittany
Lions, citing the program’s strong
culture, offensive scheme, and coaching
staff as key factors in his decision.
Outten, ranked as a top-10 receiver in the
nation and a five-star recruit by multiple
scouting services, brings elite athleticism,
crisp route-running, and game-changing
speed to Penn State’s already promising
2025 recruiting class. His commitment
gives head coach James Franklin and
offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki a
dynamic weapon who can make an
immediate impact when he arrives in
Happy Valley.
A Game-Changer from the 757.
Outten hails from Virginia’s famed “757”
region, known for producing top-tier
football talent, including former Penn
State standouts such as linebacker
Brandon Smith. Playing for one of the
most competitive high school programs
in the state, Outten dominated the
competition, racking up over 1,200
receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in
his junior season. His ability to stretch
the field, win contested catches, and
create separation against top defensive
backs made him one of the most sought-
after recruits in the 2025 class.
Penn State fans have been eager for
another elite wide receiver to join the
program, and Outten fits the mold of
recent Nittany Lions standouts like Jahan
Dotson and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. His
commitment solidifies Penn State’s
reputation as a program capable of
developing elite receivers and putting
them on the path to the NFL.
Why Penn State?
Despite offers from Alabama, Georgia,
Ohio State, and Florida State, Outten felt
a special connection to Penn State
throughout his recruitment.
“From the moment I stepped on campus,
it felt like home,” Outten said in his
commitment announcement. “The
coaching staff believes in me, and I know
they have a plan to develop me into the
best version of myself—both as a player
and as a person.”
Outten also pointed to Penn State’s
offense as a key reason for his decision.
Under Kotelnicki, the Nittany Lions have
emphasized a more explosive passing
attack, something that stood out to the
Virginia star.
“They’re going to put the ball in my
hands and let me make plays,” Outten
said. “That’s all I could ever ask for.”
What This Means for Penn State’s 2025 Class.
With Outten in the fold, Penn State’s 2025
recruiting class is shaping up to be one of
the best in the Big Ten. His commitment
follows several other high-profile
recruits, and the Nittany Lions are
making a strong push for a top-five
national ranking in recruiting.
Outten’s presence will also help attract
other offensive playmakers to join him in
Happy Valley. Having a five-star receiver
on board could be a game-changer in
Penn State’s pursuit of an elite
quarterback and additional offensive
weapons in this cycle.
Immediate Impact Potential.
While it’s always a challenge for
freshmen to make an immediate impact
in college football, Outten has the skill set
to contribute early. With his combination
of size, speed, and football IQ, he could
earn playing time as soon as he arrives
on campus.
Penn State will be looking for new
playmakers to emerge in its receiving
corps, and Outten’s versatility makes him
an ideal fit. Whether lining up outside as
a deep threat or working in the slot to
create mismatches, he has the potential
to be a difference-maker from Day 1.
Looking Ahead.
With Matthew Outten committed, Penn
State fans have plenty to be excited
about. His decision reinforces the Nittany
Lions’ standing as a top destination for
elite talent and signals that Franklin’s
vision for the program is resonating with
high-profile recruits.
The next step? Penn State will continue
building its 2025 class while preparing
for another competitive Big Ten season.
But one thing is certain—when Outted
arrives in Happy Valley, he’ll be ready to
make an impact.
