The sleeping beast has awoken.

Joseph Mupoyi, a three-star defensive end prospect, announced his verbal commitment to Penn State football’s Class of 2023 Monday via his social media accounts. Mupoyi is the 20th commit to join the Nittany Lions during this recruiting cycle.

Mupoyi officially visited Happy Valley on December 9 — just three days before announcing his decision. The 6’5″, 230-pound defensive end ultimately selected the Nittany Lions over Auburn, Miami, and Michigan, among others.

The Oakdale, Connecticut, native is ranked as the state’s fourth-best recruit, as well as the 45th overall EDGE rusher, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. For his St. Thomas More High School team, Mupoyi plays on both sides of the ball, listing himself as a tight end secondarily.

Three-star cornerback Zion Tracy, Mupoyi’s high school teammate, committed to the Nittany Lions in September.

Mupoyi joins Jameial Lyons and Tyriq Blanding as the third defensive lineman in Penn State’s 2023 recruiting class. Lyons and Blanding previously committed in April and June, respectively.

With Mupoyi’s commitment, Penn State remains at No. 13 in 247Sports’ national rankings after previously jumping No. 14 USC. The Nittany Lions are still behind Big Ten rival Ohio State, which sits at No. 5 overall.

For your first look at Mupoyi on the field, check out his Hudl highlight tape.