The Penn State Nittany Lions announce their early National Signing Day class for 2018.
When it comes to the Big Ten East, it’s an arms race among all the programs. No one can afford to slip in recruiting while the others rise. Urban Meyer’s in the middle of acquiring some juggernaut classes that could keep the Ohio State Buckeyes at the top for a while. Therefore, it’s important for Penn State and everyone else to try and close the gap if possible.
The Nittany Lions lost a close one to the Buckeyes this season, but they know every year is going to be a battle. With Saquon Barkley set to depart for the NFL Draft, the Nittany Lions will have to replace him.
Fortunately, they should be doing that with their 2018 recruiting class. With early National Signing Day set to take place on Wednesday, Penn State is currently sitting with the fifth-best recruiting class in the nation, according to 247sports.
Those rankings can certainly fluctuate, but bringing in the top end commits they have will keep them in their spot. Flipping a recruit or two or tacking on will ultimately keep Penn State near the top of college football.
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As mentioned, Barkley leaving is going to leave a void for the Nittany Lions. Fortunately, they have five-star recruit Ricky Slade as a commit. The all-purpose back is one of the most coveted recruits in the nation and will certainly give Penn State fans plenty to be excited about.
The goal in college football is to make the playoff. This year, the Big Ten cannibalized itself thanks to all the competition in the East. The current landscape of recruiting in the conference is only going to make things all the more difficult.