Which Penn State football freshmen may play right away? LaVar Arrington and 6 others (2025)

There are 16 true freshmen getting a dynamic, official introduction to Penn State football this spring.

This group − more than half of Penn State's most recently completed recruiting class − enrolled early in January and are experiencing their first practice sessions in college. Each is getting a head-start on finding a role on the 2025 team that's expected to be ranked in the top five to start the season.

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No matter the Nittany Lions' national standing, they expect to rely on true freshmen contributions, possibly even a couple of big ones, because they almost always do.

The re-vamped wide receiver room, which has come under heavy criticism the past few years, is a good place to start.

Of course, these 15 spring practices leading to the Blue-White Game on April 26 in Beaver Stadium, are still only a beginning for this class. The other 11 true freshmen will begin showing up next month and could still push for playing time this fall.

Here are the rookies most likely to help Penn State's national championship drive right away:

Penn State football: Wide receivers Matt Outten, Koby Howard, Lyrick Samuel

Three freshmen wideouts are making a splash through initial spring workouts.

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Two of them certainly look the part, physically, to play right away. Matt Outen (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) and Koby Howard (5-11, 197) already are built to succeed in the Big Ten, if their skills allow.

The super-lean, lanky Lyrick Samuel (6-4, 187) also has reportedly made some contested, highlight catches early in spring workouts.

Coach James Franklin praised them during a media session last week in State College.

"When we watched (Outten) in high school, he was a wide receiver, he was a wildcat quarterback, he was a running back, he kind of did it all ...," Franklin said. "Punt return, kick return, powerful guy, fast guy, explosive guy. We’ve seen the same things. But for those very same reasons, he’s a little raw as a wide receiver.”

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As for Howard, he "played wideout pretty much his whole life, so he’s a little bit more refined in those areas," Franklin said.

"Both (Outten and Howard) have done a really nice job already for guys who should still be in high school.”

The Lions also will bring in Maryland's Jeff Exinor in May or June, who could push for a depth chart spot, too, if he stays at receiver. He also could slot at tight end. He was listed at 6-2 and 220 pounds in the winter.

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Cornerback, Daryus Dixson

Another early enrollee, Daryus Dixson was one of the highest-rated members of this class and well-tutored at powerhouse Mater Dei High in California.

His cornerback spot is one of Penn State deepest so far. But Dixson is good enough to push for early playing time as the fall unwinds, especially if injury help is needed.

At the least, he should be an immediate difference-maker on special teams.

Linebacker, LaVar Arrington II

LaVar Arrington II, the son of the former Penn State great, appears to be finding his way quickly.

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Arrington has the ability to rush the passer and play a position of need (linebacker) for the Lions. He was praised for his athleticism, instincts and future by former defensive coordinator Tom Allen in December and more recently by defensive assistant Terry Smith.

He figures to grow his 6-3, 212-pound frame quickly, too. Even if he cannot crack the two-deep by late August he figures to be another immediate special teams fixture.

Late enrollees: Malachi Goodman, Jeff Exinor, Jr.

Even freshmen who do not enroll until June can find playing time quickly. Abdul Carter did just that in 2022.

Offensive lineman Malachi Goodman, the ratings prize of this recruiting class, may contribute early, too, despite starring at another crowded position group. Goodman (6-5, 320 pounds) could take a similar role to Cooper Cousins last year, who turned into a valuable backup at guard and center as the season progressed.

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Another late-arrival to watch is Exinor, a well-skilled, developed pass-catcher from the McDonough School. His opportunity could be fueled by a restructured receiver room looking for immediate contributions.

Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football depth chart: Freshmen who will play in 2025