Penn State added another piece to its 2026 recruiting class, securing a commitment from former James Madison defensive back signee Christian Askew following an official visit to State College, according to Lions247.com.
Askew becomes the latest addition to the secondary for the Nittany Lions, bolstering a recruiting class that continues to take shape under head coach Matt Campbell. The Kathleen (Ga.) Veterans standout had previously signed with the James Madison Dukes, but received his release earlier this week after head coach Bob Chesney left the program to become the new head coach at UCLA in December.
At 6-foot-4 and just over 190 pounds, Askew brings size and versatility to Penn Stateās defensive backfield. He can play both cornerback and safety, giving the Nittany Lions added flexibility as they continue to reshape the secondary.
Askew originally committed to James Madison in September, choosing the Dukes over a wide range of offers that included Arkansas State, Georgia State, Air Force, Army, Georgia Southern, Navy, Northern Illinois, Dartmouth, Elon, Mercer, North Alabama, Penn, Richmond, Samford, Stony Brook, UT Martin, West Georgia, Wofford and Yale. His production backed up the interest. As a junior, Askew totaled 48 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, following a sophomore season in which he recorded 11 tackles across six games.
With his commitment, Askew becomes the 14th member of Penn Stateās 2026 recruiting class. He is also the second former James Madison signee to ultimately land with the Nittany Lions. Wide receiver Ben Whitver committed to Penn State in December after receiving his release from the Dukes, joining a growing group of players who shifted paths during a busy coaching carousel cycle.
Askew and Whitver, along with State College Area running back D’Antae Sheffey, are the three members of Penn Stateās 2026 class who were not originally set to play for Campbell at Iowa State. Several others, however, followed Campbellās recruiting footprint to Happy Valley, including quarterback Kase Evans, offensive linemen Mason Bandhauer and Pete Eglitis, linebacker Keian Kaiser, cornerback Josiah Zayas, safeties Tyrell Chatman, Amarion Jackson and Bryson Williams, and punter Lucas Tenbrock.
Highly regarded edge rusher Jackson Ford and four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone were already part of the class before Campbell was officially hired last month.
During his introductory press conference, Campbell emphasized development as the cornerstone of the program.
“Nobody will be better at developing their student athletes and our high school football players than us,” Campbell said. “We’ve proven that every step of the way. I think you can ask (San Francisco 49ers quarterback) Brock Purdy, (New York Jets running back) Breece Hall, (Detroit Lions running back) David Montgomery and (New York Jets defensive end) Will McDonald, man.
“It’s the flash of the stars. That’s cool on Signing Day, but winning football games on Saturday is what we’re going to be about, and that’s development. And we’re going to have to be better than anybody in college football if we want to get where we want to go.”
With Askew now on board, Penn State continues to strengthen its 2026 class, adding size, versatility and experience to a secondary that remains a priority as the program looks ahead.