James Franklin's Penn State flip Michigan commit & No. 2 TE to the Class of 2025

Four-star tight end Andrew Olesh flipped his commitment from Michigan to Penn State's 2025 class. He committed to the Wolverines in July, but the Nittany Lions head coach, James Franklin and tight ends coach, Ty Howle, maintained their recruitment efforts throughout the fall.

The turning point came when Penn State hosted Olesh during its Nov. 2 matchup against Ohio State. Despite the Nittany Lions' 20-13 loss, the visit made a lasting impression on Olesh, and he praised Howle's dedication following the game, saying (via On3):

“He’s developed tight ends his entire career being there. He spent some extra time with me and my family and friends after the game explaining what Coach Franklin was saying. They want me, there are other guys looking at Penn State that want to come to Penn State but they’re holding off for me. That’s great for me.”

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound prospect had been the last player in Michigan's 2025 class who had not signed during the early signing period on Dec. 4. His commitment delay raised speculation that he may flip, and the decision to announce for Penn State on Friday confirmed those suspicions.

Olesh's school had been scheduled to play in the Pennsylvania state championship game on Thursday but was eliminated in the semifinals. He is the No. 1 recruit from Pennsylvania in the 2025 class, and his decision to commit to Penn State keeps him in his home state.

Olesh is the No. 43 overall prospect, the No. 2 tight end in the 2025 cycle and the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania, according to On3.

Penn State and Michigan's recruiting class update following Andrew Olesh's flip

Andrew Olesh will join four-star tight end Matt Henderson and three-star tight end Brian Kortovich in Penn State's 2025 recruiting class. He is now part of a cycle for the Nittany Lions, which includes 12 other blue-chippers. The class has 27 players and ranks No. 15 in the nation.

Olesh’s decommitment is a tough blow for Michigan, as he was one of their top recruits for the 2025 cycle. According to 247 Sports, Olesh was the third-highest-rated commit in the Wolverines’ class, following quarterback Bryce Underwood and offensive tackle Andrew Babalola. He was expected to bolster Michigan’s tight end group, which will likely lose star Colston Loveland to the NFL draft next season.

However, Michigan’s class remains solid, ranking No. 9 nationally with 22 players, including another tight end, Eli Owens. Both Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen saw significant game time this season and will also play crucial roles in the Wolverines' tight end depth chart next year.