Evan Wolff attended Penn State’s Blue-White spring football game when he was 1 year old and returned every year to Happy Valley with season tickets, and in time dreamed of one day playing for the Nittany Lions.
On his 18th birthday, this weekend, he was there again, celebrating the best gift he ever received.
North Pocono’s All-Region linebacker committed to Penn State after receiving a preferred walk-on opportunity for first-year coach Matt Campbell. Wolff announced via social media on Sunday morning.
“Honestly, it is like a dream that I haven’t woken up from yet,” an ecstatic Wolff said Saturday night. “I mean, Penn State, it is crazy to think that is my future. Since I was like 5 years old, I started making memories at that stadium, going to games. We have had season tickets for my lifetime. Every time I have been to that stadium has been special. The atmosphere with the 110,000 fans, feeling the energy and the pulse inside the stadium, is amazing. It is going to be crazy to be a part of that as a player.”
A four-year varsity athlete for the Trojans, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior excelled and was an emotional leader for the program. He thrived while playing for his father, Randy Wolff, the defensive coordinator and former standout at North Pocono.
Last season, Wolff had 125 total tackles, including 73 solo, with 15 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, five passes defended, and three forced fumbles. He also contributed 11 receptions for 199 yards and three touchdowns as a tight end as North Pocono set a school record with 13 wins and won the Lackawanna Football Conference Division I and District 2 Class 4A championships.
“Obviously, I had the best times of my life being brought up as a freshman and being a teammate with all of the players and coaches who have had an impact on me,” Wolff said. “To be able to step up to a program above high school has been a goal of mine. Penn State is going to be challenging, especially being a walk-on. I love taking the hard path. I am going to work very hard. Hopefully, I can reward myself.”
During the recruiting process, Wolff received some attention from Penn State. Recently, he and North Pocono head coach Greg Dolhon were on campus for a practice. Wolff joined him, and they met with the Nittany Lions’ coaches.
Once he received his opportunity, Wolff, who had committed to Millersville, an NCAA Division II program, turned his dream into a reality.
“After the meeting, I got the great news,” Wolff said. “Millersville treated me as a second family. I really loved the program that was being built there. With Penn State happening, it was too much of a dream come true. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For me, it was difficult, and I was blessed for the opportunity at Millersville, but I wanted to live my dream.”
After the successful 2025 season, in addition to Wolff’s commitment to Penn State, North Pocono is sending several graduates to continue their academic and athletic careers.
All-Region lineman Cole Zimmerman (6-0, 280), All-Region running back Josiah Gray, who ran for 1,164 yards on 159 carries and scored 15 touchdowns, and massive offensive tackle Dylan Castor (6-8, 330) all committed to Lackawanna College.
Twin linebackers Aidan Maguire and Seamus Maguire committed to King’s College. Last season, Aidan had more than 100 tackles, and Seamus had more than 60 stops for the Trojans.