Another WPIAL 2026 Recruit Lands in Prestigious Ivy League

As juniors from across the WPIAL start to announce their commitments to college football programs, one specific prestigious conference continues to bring in talent from the Pittsburgh area.

On Tuesday, Mt. Lebanon linebacker Grayson Beck announced his commitment to Princeton University in the Ivy League.

I am extremely excited to announce my commitment to the admissions process at Princeton University! Thank you to my friends, family, and coaches for guiding me along the way. @CoachMikeWeick @CoachBobSurace @mtlebofootball pic.twitter.com/9QQ2c2hwbl

— Grayson Beck (@grayson_beck22) April 15, 2025

“Princeton was the best overall fit for me,” Beck told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “It gives me the chance to play Division I football at a high level while also earning one of the best educations in the world. It’s a place that’ll open doors far beyond football.”

Beck becomes the second Mt. Lebanon 2026 recruit to commit to an Ivy League school as athlete Patrick Smith Jr. made his verbal pledge to the University of Pennsylvania two weeks ago.

“I think that’s just the standard at Mt. Lebanon. We’re expected to compete on the field as well as in the classroom. My quarterback Patrick just recently committed to UPenn, and it’s been great going through the process with him if I ever need anything Pat is always there to help. We’ve been holding each other at a high standard for a long time and that’s a big reason why I think we will be prepared for the next level,” Beck said.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Beck picked the Tigers over other offers from Toledo, Kent State, Akron, Eastern Michigan, Harvard, Brown, Lehigh, Fordham, Lafayette and New Hampshire.

Beck is a hard-hitting linebacker that is disruptive in the backfield and can make plays in coverage. He earned First-Team All-Conference honors in Class 6A this past fall for the Blue Devils.

The extra work off the field is what Beck feel best prepares him for the next level.

“I just watch a lot of film to be honest. I try to know what the other teams running before they run it,” Beck said.

Along with Beck and Smith, WPIAL quarterback Jonah Williamson out of Trinity High School also announced his commitment to an Ivy League program in Harvard last week.

In the 2025 recruiting class, Princeton landed Upper St. Clair teammates Nate Stohl (offensive lineman) and Michael Albert (defensive lineman), along with North Allegheny offensive lineman Jack Yatchenko. Bethel Park athlete Ryan Petras recently flipped his commitment from Princeton to stay home at Duquesne.

WPIAL Football Recruiting Board – Western PA Football Recruiting