Former Penn State commits in the 2026 recruiting class, many of whom left following James Franklin’s firing, have interestingly started to find themselves most often at one of two schools.

One, of course, is Franklin’s new home at Virginia Tech. Harrisburg star Messiah Mickens joined what should be a wave of former Lions pledges in Blacksburg .

But another ACC school has become a popular destination, with another entry coming on Wednesday.

North Carolina gained the commitment of defensive back Julian Peterson , who was committed to Penn State from Jan. 25 through Oct. 22 . Peterson joins two other former Penn State commits and fellow defensive backs David Davis and Jaziel Hart with Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels.

Peterson — 6-2 and 175 pounds — ranks as a three-star and the No.

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