In a stunning development that has electrified the college hockey world, Gavin McKenna, the consensus No. 1 prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, is reportedly set to commit to Penn State men27s hockey. This commitment marks a monumental win for the Nittany Lions, who have been aggressively building a powerhouse program following their historic first-ever Frozen Four appearance last season.
McKenna, a 17-year-old left-winger from Whitehorse, Yukon, is widely regarded as a generational talent. Standing 627022 and weighing 165 pounds, McKenna is known for his exceptional skill set, earning him the label of a 27five-tool player,27 a rare compliment in hockey scouting circles. NHL Central scout John Williams remarked, 27We don27t use the term five-tool player in hockey as much as you hear it used in other sports, but McKenna27s one of those guys. He27s got it.27
His journey to Penn State was fiercely contested, with Michigan State also vying for his commitment. McKenna visited both State College and East Lansing in late June 2025 before making his decision. According to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, who first broke the news, McKenna has chosen Penn State over Michigan State, a significant coup for the Nittany Lions and a tough loss for the Spartans.
During the 2024-25 season, McKenna dazzled in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Medicine Hat Tigers, amassing an astonishing 129 points in 56 regular-season games, including 41 goals. His playoff performance was equally impressive, adding 38 points in 16 games. This scoring prowess earned him both the WHL and Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Player of the Year awards, joining an elite list of past winners such as Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid.
McKenna27s international resume is just as impressive. He represented Canada in the U18 and U20 World Junior tournaments, scoring 10 goals and tallying 10 assists in just seven games during the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championships. His performance on the international stage further solidified his reputation as a top-tier prospect.
His commitment to Penn State is expected to be officially announced later this week, but multiple sources, including the Centre Daily Times and Elite Prospects, have confirmed the news. McKenna27s decision to play NCAA hockey means he will likely spend just one season in Happy Valley before entering the 2026 NHL Draft, where he is projected to be the first overall pick.
The timing of McKenna27s arrival is perfect for Penn State, which is rapidly ascending in the collegiate hockey ranks. The Nittany Lions have bolstered their roster this offseason with other NHL-caliber talents, including defenseman Jackson Smith, drafted 14th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2025 NHL Draft, and forward Luke Misa, a fifth-round pick by the Calgary Flames in 2024. Another notable addition is Mac Gadowsky, a Hobey Baker finalist who joined via the transfer portal.
Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects highlighted the significance of this recruiting class, writing, 27Add McKenna to the mix, and Penn State27s newest freshman class might be one of the most talented collections of incoming talent the NCAA has seen in a long time.27 This sentiment underscores the potential impact McKenna and his fellow recruits could have on the program27s national title aspirations.
McKenna27s arrival also adds an intriguing narrative to the rivalry within the Big Ten. Michigan State, despite missing out on McKenna, remains a favorite to contend for the conference crown in the 2025-26 season. However, Penn State27s haul of elite talent now positions them as a formidable force, potentially reshaping the balance of power in college hockey27s Hockey Valley.
Adding to the excitement, McKenna is the cousin of 2023 NHL No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard, drawing further comparisons and expectations. Observers see McKenna as a player with the ability to change the trajectory of any franchise, much like Bedard has begun to do in the NHL.
McKenna27s immediate impact on the ice is anticipated to be profound. The Nittany Lions open their 2025-26 season on October 3, 2025, on the road against Arizona State, and fans will be eager to see McKenna27s debut in collegiate hockey. His presence is expected to elevate Penn State27s offensive capabilities and provide leadership on the ice, even as a freshman.
While McKenna27s commitment is a significant milestone for Penn State hockey, the Nittany Lions are reportedly still pursuing other top NHL prospects, including Porter Martone and Michael Misa, the latter being Luke Misa27s brother. These potential additions could further solidify Penn State27s status as a premier destination for elite hockey talent.
In summary, Gavin McKenna27s reported commitment to Penn State men27s hockey is a game-changing development for the program and college hockey at large. His status as a generational talent, combined with Penn State27s recent rise and strong recruiting class, sets the stage for an exhilarating 2025-26 season. As the official announcement looms, all eyes will be on Happy Valley to see how this promising freshman class shapes the future of the Nittany Lions.
