Penn State Recruiting: Quarterback Matt Zollers Set to Announce Commitment

The 4-star quarterback from Pennsylvania lists the Nittany Lions among his four finalists.

Penn State coach James Franklin guides the Nittany Lions against Mississippi State in the 2023 Peach Bowl in Atlanta. / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki joined the program at a critical juncture for quarterbacks. He's racing to build a rapport with the current quarterbacks, notably Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, while courting the next generation. The forces mix this week. While Penn State continues spring drills ahead of the April 13 Blue-White Game, a major Class of 2025 recruiting target will announce his decision, with Penn State among his finalists.

Matt Zollers, a 4-star prospect from Pennsylvania’s Spring-Ford High, is scheduled to announce his commitment Thursday at his high school. Zollers has placed Penn State in his final four with Missouri, Georgia and Pitt. His offer sheet wraps around the high school block. Michigan State, Maryland, Nebraska, Kentucky, Florida and Duke are just some schools offering the 6-4, 205-pound quarterback.

Kotelnicki, who recently discussed recruiting for Penn State, is a key player for the Nittany Lions in this process. He’s wrapping an offense, a brand and an organization into his recruiting pitch. 

“You can’t get stuck in a situation where you’re trying to just allow a logo to do it for you because, at the end of the day, we’re in the people business,” Kotelnicki said. “And I think when players and recruits come here, they’ll get a real quick observation that we’re very genuine and sincere from the head coach on down. It’s an awesome place, but I think people would choose to come here because of the people who are here wearing that brand.”

Zollers made a huge move in the recruiting world after a standout junior season at Spring-Ford. He threw for a school-record 2,917 yards, 37 touchdowns and just two interceptions for the Rams. Over the past two seasons, Zollers has compiled a touchdown/interception ratio of 60/5. According to 247Sports, Zollers is Pennsylvania’s No. 1 prospect of the 2025 recruiting cycle and the No. 6 quarterback nationally. He represents a significant piece of Penn State’s future offense and of coach James Franklin’s recruiting ethos.

"We've got a pretty good run going right now in the state of Pennsylvania and [signing] the No. 1 player in the state of Pennsylvania. We've got to do it again next year," Franklin said in December.

Penn State’s 2025 recruiting class already includes one quarterback among its 11 commits. Bekkem Kritza, who spent most of his junior season at Fairview High in Boulder, Colorado, is transferring back to Miami Central in Florida for his senior year. Kritza (6-5, 200 pounds) is the 32nd-ranked quarterback in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports.

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich.