Nazareth High School’s Peyton Falzone, one of Pennsylvania’s top quarterback prospects, announced his verbal commitment to Penn State University on Saturday, sending waves of excitement through the Nittany Lion fanbase and the Lehigh Valley. The four-star junior, known for his dual-threat prowess, chose to stay close to home, joining a storied program with a rich history of developing talent from the region, including current Philadelphia Eagles Saquon Barkley (Whitehall) and Jahan Dotson (Nazareth).
Falzone, standing at 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, made his decision known on X, stating, “Blessed to be staying home #Committed #WeAre.”
Blessed to be staying home #Committed #WeAre@coachjfranklin @Kotelnicki @DannyOBrienQB @chrismahon_ @Coach_Elby @shadrich80 @BradMaendler @NazarethTD @NAHSBlueEagles pic.twitter.com/WlDtCLrHl8
— Peyton Falzone (@PeytonFalzone) April 12, 2025
Falzone’s announcement caps a recruiting journey that saw him courted by nearly a dozen programs, including Iowa, Utah, Rutgers, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech, where he had previously committed in June 2024 before reopening his recruitment last November.
As a junior in 2024, Falzone showcased his elite skill set, leading a Nazareth team that graduated 31 seniors from its 2023 District 11 6A championship squad to a 7-4 record and another playoff appearance. He completed 145 of 267 passes for 2,136 yards, throwing 23 touchdowns against just five interceptions. On the ground, he added 743 yards on 70 carries, averaging an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC)-best 10.6 yards per carry, and scored eight rushing touchdowns. His performance earned him the EPC Offensive MVP, The Morning Call’s EPC Offensive Player of the Year, and a first-team Class 6A all-state nod from the Pennsylvania Football Writers.
Ranked as the No. 177 overall prospect, No. 4 in Pennsylvania, and No. 11 quarterback nationally by 247Sports, Falzone brings versatility to Penn State’s 2026 class, which already includes four-star QB Troy Huhn of Mission Hills (Caliofrnia). His fit in offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s dynamic scheme, which values quarterbacks who can stretch defenses with their arm and legs, make Happy Valley an ideal destination.
“Penn State sees me as a quarterback who can push the ball downfield and make plays when things break down,” Falzone told NittanyCentral after a spring practice visit in March 2025. “Coach Franklin and the staff made me feel wanted, and the culture here is something I want to be part of.”
Falzone’s commitment marks him as the 10th pledge in Penn State’s 2026 class, which ranks among the nation’s best. With one more season to shine at Nazareth, where his father, Tom Falzone, serves as head coach.
Related: HSFA’s Top 10 QB’s in Class of 2026 and 2027
For Nazareth fans, the Blue Eagles’ star staying home to don the blue and white feels like a perfect fit. For Penn State, landing Falzone is a statement: the best in PA are choosing to build the Nittany Lions’ future.
