Josh Banks, the heart and soul of Hollidaysburg’s defense and the reigning Altoona Mirror Player of the Year, is heading to Happy Valley. The standout linebacker has committed to Penn State as a preferred walk-on - a move that speaks volumes about both his belief in himself and his desire to compete at the highest level.
Banks has been a force for the Golden Tigers, leading the team in tackles for the second straight season in 2025. But his impact went far beyond just bringing ballcarriers to the ground.
He tallied 15 tackles for loss, picked off five passes, and even got his hands on a punt, showcasing the kind of versatility that coaches dream about. Whether he was blitzing off the edge, dropping into coverage, or flying downfield on special teams, Banks made his presence felt on every snap.
And don’t let the linebacker label fool you - Banks did work on the offensive side of the ball too. As Hollidaysburg’s H-back, he ran in two touchdowns and hauled in three more through the air.
More importantly, he served as the lead blocker for Carter Muth, who racked up over 2,000 rushing yards this past season. That kind of selfless, physical play is a big part of what makes Banks such an intriguing addition for Penn State.
When it came time to make a decision, Banks took a thoughtful approach.
“I sat down with myself and laid out my options. I asked where can I go to be the best football player possible.
With that it was a no-brainer,” he said. “The culture at Penn State, knowing its nickname ‘LBU,’ made it easy.”
That “LBU” reference isn’t just a throwaway line - it’s a nod to the program’s storied linebacker tradition, a legacy that includes names like Jack Ham, LaVar Arrington, Paul Posluszny, and Micah Parsons. Banks clearly sees an opportunity to learn and grow in that environment, even if he’s starting his journey as a walk-on.
It’s worth noting that Banks had options. He held Division I offers from Pitt, Maine, Lehigh, and VMI. But in the end, the pull of Penn State - its culture, its history, and its reputation for developing linebackers - proved too strong to pass up.
For a player who’s made a habit of exceeding expectations, this next chapter feels like a perfect fit. Don’t be surprised if Josh Banks carves out a role in blue and white sooner than later.