2026's three-star defensive end/defensive tackle Alexander Haskell is Nittany Lion. He announced his verbal commitment to Penn State on Friday and broadcast his ceremony live via Instagram.

He chose Penn State finalists Duke, Michigan and Syracuse.

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Haskell ranked 24th in St. Joseph's preparations in Philadelphia, 24th in Pennsylvania and 39th defensive end in the 2026 cycle.

This means a lot to Haskell, being able to play for his hometown program and under the leadership of the PSU head coach James Franklindefense coordinator Jim Knowles And the defensive line coach Deion Barnes future.

“I chose to work on Penn State because they were the first school to say they believed in me and I was there all the time and always felt like home,” Haskell told Rivals.com. “Also, playing in front of over 100,000 people in my hometown would be a really cool experience.”

Haskell has built strong connections with his future job coach Barnes over the past few years. He also respects Franklin's achievements very much and looks forward to playing for him.

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Although Knowles is a Penn State staffer (he was hired in late January), Haskell has a connection with the defensive coordinator because Knowles is also a Phillies attending St. Joe's Prep.

“I’m closest to Coach Barnes because he’s a real coach and he told me at a camp in freshman’s first year that he believed me,” Haskell explained. “Coach Knowles is also a great guy and a preparation for St. Joe, so we’re much more than I thought. Coach Franklin is one of the most respected coaches in the sport and he’s already gaining a lot of talent and I feel like I can add that.”

As he mentioned, Haskel has been a regular visitor to Happy Valley. His last campus trip to Penn State was about three weeks ago when he was able to watch Nittany Lions work during spring practice.

"Spring practice is really good, and I feel like I can see myself every day," Haskell said of his recent visit to Penn State.

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He plans to return to University Park for the weekends between May 30 and June 1 with an official visit to Penn State.

At 6-foot-4 and 260-pound Haskell is a multi-purpose defensive lineman with relentless motors and rapid bursts. He can play as a defensive end or as an internal defensive tackle.

So far, he will be undermined in the exact position he plays in Pennsylvania, but Nittany Lions knows that Haskell's versatility along the defensive line will be beneficial.

“They think I can depend on how I get there and that’s always my goal to be able to be versatile and get on the field as soon as possible,” Haskell said when asked about a defensive end or defensive tackle.

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Haskell helps St. Joe (St.

In addition to the schools already mentioned, Haskell has received scholarships from Indiana, Florida, Miami, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Stanford, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wisconsin, and others.

Despite the many options, Haskell knew Penn State was home.

Asked about the most prominent Penn State program, Haskell said: “It’s just that the talent and coaches they generate are real, this is my hometown, so you can’t go wrong.”

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