Penn State Secures Commitment from Elite Kicker Carter Petri
Penn State has officially added Carter Petri, a top‑ranked kicker in the Class of 2028, to its roster. The Buffalo, New York native announced his commitment after a series of impressive showings that caught the attention of the coaching staff.
Showcase Highlights and Recruitment Journey
Petri’s high school career at St. Joseph School has been marked by consistent accuracy, but it was his performances at national kicking camps that truly set him apart. At the 2026 Kohl’s Eastern Spring Showcase he earned 12 points in field‑goal drills and a 109.6 rating on kickoff charting, while a year earlier at the 2025 Kohl’s Midwest Winter Showcase he posted 13 points in field goals and a 101.15 rating.
The kicker’s recruitment profile includes visits to Michigan, Penn State, Syracuse and other power programs, and he also worked out at Georgia and Virginia Tech. While those schools made strong impressions, Petri ultimately chose the Nittany Lions, citing the program’s culture and the opportunity to contribute early.
Looking Ahead: The 2028 Kicking Competition
Special teams coordinator Justin Lustig, who retained his position to maintain continuity, expressed confidence that the new addition will bolster the unit. He highlighted the existing depth, including returning junior kicker Ryan Barker, whose eligibility will expire after the 2027 season.
Barker, a former walk‑on who emerged as one of the nation’s most accurate kickers last year, will see his final year of eligibility approach, opening the door for Petri and fellow prospect Matthew Parker to battle for the starting spot in 2028. The competition will also involve new punters Nathan Tiyce, an Australian specialist, and Lucas Tenbrock, both of whom bring distinct skill sets to the role.
The departure of seniors Gabe Nwosu and Tyler Duzansky leaves vacancies at punter and longsnapper, prompting the staff to look toward fresh talent. Lustig emphasized that the combination of experienced returners and highly rated newcomers positions Penn State to maintain stability and competitiveness on special teams.