Penn State Football: Nittany Lions Add to 2025 Class

Penn State football picked up its second commitment in the past four days when Class of 2025 defensive back Omari Gaines announced his commitment to the program Tuesday morning. 

The New Jersey native picked the Nittany Lions over Duke, Ole Miss and Rutgers, among others. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound defensive back isn’t ranked yet on any of the major recruiting services. 

Gaines, who attends Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, made five total visits to Penn State throughout his recruitment, with two coming in 2023. He becomes the second player to commit to the Nittany Lions’ Class of 2025, as offensive lineman Jaelyne Matthews was the first player to join the class back in January.

He joins three-start tight end Luke Reynolds as the second verbal commitment to the Nittany Lions this week. Reynolds is a member of Penn State’s 2024 class.

For your first look at Gaines on the field, check out his Hudl highlight tape.