Penn State adds edge rusher Elijah Reeder to 2026 class

Penn State has added New Jersey native Elijah Reeder to its Class of 2026 following his official visit to State College this past weekend.

A native of Bayville, Reeder was a late addition for Matt Campbell during his time at Iowa State, adding the Central Regional prospect on Dec. 3, the day the early signing period opened. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound defensive end took an official visit to Iowa State just two days prior.

“He’s got a unique trait, size, 6’8 wingspan, a guy that’s got great size, great ability,” said Campbell during Iowa State’s signing day event. “We brought him in this weekend when we got back from Oklahoma State. He’s got a great mom, great family, great skill set. It’s going to be really fun to see where he’s got the ability to go.”

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During his senior season, Reeder totaled 50 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He picked up an offer from Missouri after backing out of his commitment to Iowa State. Rutgers also showed interest, but Reeder decided to take just the one official visit to Penn State. He joins Pennsylvania native and four-star prospect Jackson Ford as the two defensive line commits in Penn State’s 2026 class.

According to Rivals’ Industry Rankings, which combines Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN for a cumulative grade, Reeder is ranked No. 525 nationally, making him the highest-ranked commit among the former Iowa State signees. He’s ranked No. 53 nationally at defensive end and ninth overall in New Jersey.

Charles Power breaks down PSU DE Elijah Reeder

Power: Elijah Reeder was a great find by Matt Campbell and his staff at Iowa State late in the process. I don’t believe he had any FBS offers and they were able to keep him under the radar and sneak him into their class on signing day. When you go back and watch his film, he’s very talented as a pass rusher. He looks to have good size, is explosive, and has that arch acceleration with quality bend. He has the coordination and change of direction to create mismatches as a pass rusher. Just watching his senior film, I do think he’s a guy who has NFL upside. He’s one that, if I’m a Penn State fan, you want them to get him in the boat. That would be exciting. He’s a New Jersey product, too.

Penn State fans should be used to seeing their school bring in these types of players. He’s a high upside, high athleticism kind of player with all the traits that fit Penn State edge rushers in the past. I don’t think there’s going to be a ton of differences there. I think once Matt Campbell gets his staff in there, and they’re able to develop these players, you’ll see that they can find high upside players who can make a difference down the line. Reeder looks like one of those guys.