In a significant boost to their 2025 recruiting class, Penn State’s football program continues its impressive recruiting surge. Head coach James Franklin and his staff have successfully secured yet another highly sought-after defensive lineman, Randy Adirika, from Miami Central (Fla.), who verbally committed to the Nittany Lions on Tuesday. Adirika, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighs 265 pounds, projects as a defensive tackle at the next level and adds considerable strength to Penn State’s defensive front.
Ranked as the No. 132 overall prospect and the No. 6 defensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting cycle by Rivals, Adirika’s commitment to Penn State is a significant win for Franklin and his staff. Adirika chose the Nittany Lions despite strong interest from Miami and other top programs, including USC, Auburn, Florida State, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
While Miami may continue to pursue the talented lineman until the December signing period, Adirika’s decision underscores Penn State’s growing reputation as a destination for elite defensive talent. His commitment also reunites him with his high school teammate, quarterback Bekkem Kritza, who pledged to Penn State last November while attending Fairview High School in Colorado before transferring to Miami Central for his senior season.
Adirika’s addition is a key development for Penn State, which has seen a flurry of commitments from defensive ends in recent weeks. Following the final official visit weekend in June, Franklin and his staff secured commitments from three defensive ends in just four days: Cortez Harris, Max Granville, and Jayden Woods. Woods, ranked No. 167 overall, and Granville, ranked No. 198, are now the second- and third-highest rated prospects in Penn State’s 2025 class, according to 247 Sports. Harris, a prized regional recruit from Riverdale Baptist (Md.), further bolsters the defensive line.
With the versatile Imani Christian defender Dayshaun Burnett already committed and capable of playing linebacker or edge rusher, defensive line coach Deion Barnes appears to have a formidable group of edge rushers for the 2025 class. However, securing talent on the interior line was a priority, and Adirika’s commitment addresses this crucial need, making him the first defensive tackle to join the class.
Adirika’s pledge brings Penn State’s total to 22 verbal commits for the 2025 cycle. His addition has elevated Penn State’s class to No. 7 nationally and second in the Big Ten, according to Rivals, further solidifying the Nittany Lions’ position as one of the top recruiting programs in the country. As the December signing period approaches, Franklin and his staff will look to maintain their recruiting momentum and continue building a class that promises to be one of the best in the nation.
