Penn State has received a verbal commitment from Camp Hill (Pa.) Trinity running back Messiah Mickens.

The 5-foot-10, 200-pound runner is just a sophomore in high school but has already decided to give his pledge to the Nittany Lions. He’s an in-state recruit and Penn State’s first 2026 commitment. Mickens held offers already from Alabama, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, Rutgers, Tennessee, and Texas A&M, among others.

He doesn’t yet have a rating in the industry-generated 247 Composite, but the evaluators for 247Sports have already given him their own grade. Mickens is a 4-star prospect and the No. 30 overall recruit in the class, according to 247Sports. He’s also the third-ranked athlete and the top-ranked Pennsylvania recruit.

As a freshman, Mickens totaled 1,161 yards of offense and 18 rushing touchdowns. He also had 25 tackles and three tackles for loss on defense.

You can see his highlight tape below, via Hudl: