Unranked 2026 linebacker Josh Banks has committed to Penn State football, he announced on Twitter on Thursday morning.

Banks is unranked by both 247Sports and On3. The Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, native, though, was named a 5A All-State linebacker the past two seasons by the Pennsylvania Football Writers.

The linebacker led his team in tackles during the 2025 season, including a game against a ranked Jersey Shore, where he had eight. In that game, he also had three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and caught a pass on offense for 29 yards.

“Josh [Banks] has been a huge factor over the last three seasons in getting our program to a higher level. He has been dominant in every game so far this season and is a big reason why we have won the last three games against state-ranked opponents,” Hollidaysburg High School head coach Homer DeLattre told the Altoona Mirror. “He leads by example with his preparation and practice habits. He has shown why he is the top recruited high school football player in the area.”

Banks also had interest from Lehigh, VMI, and Pitt before ultimately choosing the Nittany Lions. The linebacker posted on Twitter that the new staff, specifically Dan Conner and Tyson Veidt, gave him a chance to play in Happy Valley on January 7.

To see what Banks will bring to Beaver Stadium next fall, watch his highlights here.

About the Author

Collin Ward

Collin is a fourth-year majoring in digital/print journalism. He lives in Basking Ridge, New Jersey and enjoys TAYLOR HAM, egg, and cheese. As a New York Giants and Chelsea FC fan you can normally find him yelling at his TV screen on the weekends. Please follow him on X(formerly Twitter) @wardcollinz for Penn State football stuff. You can email him at collin@onwardstate.com.

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