A 2025 Lineman Decommits From Penn State

Jaelyne Matthews, the top-ranked player in New Jersey, reopens the recruiting process.

Jaelyne Matthews, who committed to Penn State's 2025 recruiting class in January, has paused his decision. Matthews, a 4-star offensive lineman from New Jersey, said Tuesday that he has "respectfully decided to decommit" from Penn State. Matthews announced his decision in a social media post.

"After much reflection and discussion with my family and mentors, I believe it is in my best interest to explore other options for my academic and athletic future," Matthews said in a statement. "This decision was not made lightly, and it comes after countless hours of thought and contemplation."

Matthews, a 6-5, 290-pound offensive lineman from Toms River, N.J., became the first commit in Penn State's 2025 recruiting class. The all-state lineman is the top-ranked player in New Jersey and a top-10 tackle nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite. Since committing to Penn State as a high school sophomore, Matthews has received offers from Texas, Arkansas, Michigan and Florida State, among others.

Penn State coach James Franklin has discussed the delicate nature of early commitments often. Franklin said he generally discourages recruits to commit before they're ready.

"I’d rather you not commit than commit and change your mind down the road," Franklin said. "What if School X offers you, will that change your mind? What if the Philadelphia Eagles try to draft you right out of high school? Literally, I try to talk them out of [committing], because I think there's still value in your word, in your reputation and in what the word 'commitment' means."

But, as Franklin quickly added, both parties must value the word "commitment."

"It bothers me because literally we try to talk them out of it and make sure that the kids, the parents, the high school coaches and anybody else who is involved in the process is comfortable and understand what it means," Franklin said. "Once you're there [at the commitment stage], then it's wonderful. It's get up and hug and celebrate and embrace.

"But then the process is over for you, just like it's over for us. That’s what bothers me — how thorough we are about that. Because to me, if you pressure a kid and a family before maybe they are ready and then they change their mind, well then you created that [decommitment] to to a degree."

Penn State has two players committed to its 2025 recruiting class: 4-star running back Kiandrea Barker from Texas and 3-star cornerback Omari Gaines from New Jersey.

Respect my decision 🙏@RivalsFriedman @RivalsRichie pic.twitter.com/0BijpDP4XY

— Jaelyne Matthews (@JaelyneMatthew3) September 12, 2023

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