2026 LB Mathieu Lamah Commits to Penn State: ‘A spot in my middle’

Penn State is including a skilled linebacker to its 2026 elegance, as three-star Patriot High School (Nokesville, Virginia) standout Mathieu Lamah (previously Mathieu Kanu) dedicated to the Nittany Lions on Monday.

He selected Penn State over fellow finalists Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Rutgers and Virginia Tech.

Lamah has been a common customer to Happy Valley and has constructed robust relationships with PSU head trainer James Franklin, linebackers trainer Dan Connor, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, recruiting coordinator for team of workers Alan Zemaitis and the remainder of the Nittany Lions’ personnel.

He is taking a look ahead to being coached by way of Connor, who performed linebacker for Penn State from 2004 thru 2007 and is the best-ever main tackler for the Nittany Lions (419). Lamah additionally feels he is a great have compatibility in Knowles’ defensive scheme.

“Choosing Penn State was a decision I’ve had in my mind since they offered me (back in November of 2024),” Lamah informed Rivals.com. “With being there so many times (on visits), I get more and more reassured that I’m needed, and most importantly, (they see me as) a high-value athlete they want. They are a program that is known for producing linebacker talent and having great defenses, while also making it in the top-10 each year.

“I’ll even be getting coached by way of an ideal linebacker previously for Penn State and an ideal trainer at that during Dan Connor, and be coached by way of Jim Knowles, who is understood for having the most efficient protection for the previous couple years (at Ohio State). Penn State may be a spot in my middle I see myself house at.”

Lamah feels a strong connection with Franklin, as he has been building a bond with the Penn State head coach throughout his recruitment. As for Connor, Lamah is excited to learn from one of most accomplished linebackers to ever play in University Park.

While he is still getting to know Knowles better, Lamah feels that the defensive coordinator is the perfect person to lead Penn State’s defense. Lamah also noted that he “maximum closest” with Zemaitis on the PSU staff.

“Me and Coach Franklin have get on well because the first name,” Lamah explained. “(Coach Franklin) is a down-to-earth man and assists in keeping it not anything however 100 with you and desires that can assist you prevail. Coach Connor is my man. I really like how calm and at ease he’s, and he simply loves to show the sport in the most straightforward means. Coach Knowles and I’ve talked a pair occasions and he’s nice — very critical and desires what is absolute best for Penn State.”

As mentioned, Lamah has visited Penn State several times. Most recently, he was on campus on April 14 to watch the Nittany Lions compete in a spring practice and to go over film with Connor. Additionally, Connor visited Lamah in Virginia last week.

He will return to Penn State of an official visit during the weekend of May 30 through June 1. It will be the only official visit Lamah takes.

Lamah currently ranks as the No. 16 prospect in the state of Virginia and the No. 63 linebacker in the 2026 cycle.

In addition to the schools previously mentioned, Lamah had scholarship offers from Georgia Tech, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, South Carolina, Syracuse, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin and others.

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Lamah is being recruited to Penn State to play as an inside linebacker.

“I’m an excessively downhill ‘backer that may transfer neatly within the field and with my instincts main me to all the time being across the ball,” Lamah said when asked to describe his game. “I’m a sideline-to-sideline man as neatly.”

With Lamah’s commitment, Penn State now has 15 pledges in its 2026 class. The Nittany Lions’ recruiting class currently rank seventh nationally and third in the Big Ten.

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