In a surprising recruiting shake-up, four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone flipped his commitment from Penn State to Auburn, dealing a major setback to James Franklin’s 2026 class. Falzone announced his decision on Thursday, June 26, leaving the Nittany Lions without a player many viewed as a foundational piece of their future.
The switch marks a crucial win for Hugh Freeze and the Tigers, who had struggled to gain traction in the 2026 recruiting cycle. With recent recruiting turmoil piling up, Falzone’s pledge injects sorely needed energy into Auburn’s recruiting momentum.
Top QB Recruit Falzone Surprisingly Decommits from Penn State, Chooses Auburn
Auburn secured a significant boost to its 2026 recruiting class Thursday, June 26, as four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone flipped his commitment from Penn State, delivering a blow to James Franklin’s staff.
The Tigers extended an offer on June 2 and quickly gained traction in their pursuit. Falzone becomes the seventh pledge in Auburn’s class, adding a major offensive weapon for head coach Hugh Freeze.
BREAKING: Four-Star QB Peyton Falzone has Flipped his Commitment from Penn State to Auburn, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’5 205 QB from Nazareth, PA had been Committed to the Nittany Lions since April
“Faith, Family, and Football… WAR EAGLE🦅”https://t.co/oECyVZdYxH pic.twitter.com/NInW1F8b7h
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 26, 2025
Falzone’s junior season at Nazareth High School showcased his dual-threat ability. During the 2024 season, he completed 146 of 278 passes for 2,136 yards with 23 touchdowns and four interceptions, while also rushing for 743 yards and eight touchdowns.
Initially evaluated by Penn State as a tight end after testing well at a June 2024 camp, Falzone made it known he preferred to play quarterback. Soon after, he committed to Virginia Tech and remained firm through most of his junior year. That changed in April 2025 when Franklin offered him as a quarterback, prompting his switch to the Nittany Lions.
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His recruitment by Penn State intensified over the spring and summer of 2025. He participated in multiple camps led by quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien, including the Whiteout Camp on June 22.
He also made an official visit from May 30 to June 1 and previously visited Beaver Stadium on April 26. Given his sustained engagement with the Nittany Lions, Falzone’s decision caught many by surprise.
Falzone’s father, Tom, who coaches him at Nazareth High, offered perspective on his son’s transition to quarterback, saying, “Peyton was never really a quarterback growing up. We put him at quarterback out of necessity,” Tom Falzone said. “He was a good athlete, and we thought he could handle it.”
He continued, “He played some his freshman year and then became our starter his sophomore year. But he wasn’t one of those guys who played quarterback his entire life. He played receiver and did a little bit of everything. He grew to really love it pretty quickly.”
With Falzone gone, Penn State is left with one quarterback in its 2026 class, California prospect Troy Huhn.