Family Legacy and Football Excellence: LaVar Arrington II Commits to Penn State

LaVar Arrington II has committed to play football at Penn State, following in his father’s footsteps. The three-star recruit is ranked as the No. 41 player in California and the No. 31 weakside defensive end in the class of 2025 by Rivals. In an Instagram post, he expressed his excitement about joining the Penn State community and continuing his family legacy at the university.

LaVar Arrington had a successful career at Penn State from 1997-99, earning All-American honors and being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. His son’s commitment makes him the 21st player in James Franklin’s 2025 recruiting class, which includes other standout recruits like Mater Dei cornerback Daryus Dixson, ranked as a four-star recruit by Rivals.

Arrington Sr.’s legacy at Penn State includes multiple awards and accolades, such as All-America honors, the Jack Lambert Trophy, Dick Butkus Award, and Chuck Bednarik award. He was also a finalist for the 1999 Heisman Trophy. After a successful college career, he was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by Washington and played in the NFL for several seasons before retiring due to injuries after the 2006 season. Despite this setback, Arrington’s impact on the football community has endured through his College Football Hall of Fame induction in 2002.

Now LaVar Arrington II is poised to make his mark at Penn State and continue his family tradition of excellence on the football field.