Penn State football picks up commitment from Philly DL Alex Haskell

Penn State made Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s Prep defensive lineman Alex Haskell a priority in the Class of 2026, and on Friday evening that perseverance paid off. Haskell announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions in a local ceremony, becoming the latest member of James Franklin’s current recruiting class.

Haskell is widely considered one of the top defensive players on the state’s top team. St. Joseph’s Prep has won three straight PIAA Class 6A titles, and Haskell’s college decision was made with a fourth in mind.

“I made the decision now because I just wanted to get it out of the way to focus on my senior season,” Haskell told BWI. “I didn’t want to go into the summer not knowing where home was. It was stressful, but now I’m relieved that I found a place that fits me.”

Haskell narrowed his focus to Duke, Michigan, Penn State and Syracuse before making a decision. He visited Penn State more than any other program during the process, most recently taking a multiple-day trip during spring practice last month. Haskell also took in the Nittany Lions win over SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff back in December. During the process, he visited and picked up offers from Miami, Ohio State and Virginia Tech.

Penn State’s 16th commitment in the Class of 2026

The 6-foot-3.5, 265-pound prospect is Penn State’s 16th commitment in the cycle. The Nittany Lions entered the day with the No. 10 recruiting class per the On3 team rankings. Haskell also becomes the seventh commitment from Pennsylvania in the class. Penn State defensive line coach Deion Barnes was part of the group that offered Haskell following a camp in June of 2023, before his sophomore season.

“They were the first school to say they believed in the player that I can be and I felt like I have the best relationship with the coaches up there,” said Haskell. “I feel like I can come in and try to make a difference

“But the person that I connect with best [at Penn State] is definitely Coach Barnes. He’s been recruiting me since I was in 8th grade, and I feel like he truly believes in me. He told me that I can be either [end or tackle]. He sees me more as a D-tackle, but definitely have the potential to play edge too.”

Nittany Lions add a priority target

Haskell was a First-Team All-Catholic Red Division selection as a junior in 2024. The Hawks went 11-2 last season playing a mixed city and national schedule. St. Joseph’s Prep defeated Pittsburgh Central Catholic in the Class 6A state final, 35-6.

A three-star prospect by the On3 Industry rankings, Haskell checks in as the No. 63 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 18 prospect in Pennsylvania in the Class of 2026. On3 has him as the No. 26 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 12 prospect in the Keystone State.

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