SIDNEY, Neb. - Sidney High School senior linebacker and tight end Keian Kaiser announced his commitment to Penn State on Christmas Eve, closing a recruiting process that included a decommitment, renewed uncertainty and a late scholarship offer from another Big Ten program.

Kaiser reopened his recruitment on Dec. 15 after previously committing to Iowa State. The decision came one week after Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell accepted the head coaching position at Penn State on Dec. 8. Kaiser announced his decommitment on social media, citing recent coaching changes and conversations with his family.

“These last couple weeks have definitely been a roller coaster ride for sure, lots of ups and downs and uncertainty,” Kaiser said. “I was really looking forward to being a Cyclone. I had built great relationships with the coaching staff, other recruits and even current players over the last 14 months, but after some changes and decisions I felt that requesting my release was my best option.”

Kaiser said the process was especially challenging because he was unable to communicate with other programs until he was officially released from his Iowa State commitment.

“I had no idea where I was gonna end up or even if any team still had room to take me,” Kaiser said. “Worst part I couldn’t talk to other coaches or schools until I was released, so I had to make the decision without having any information. There was a ton of uncertainty, especially after being committed for the last year and thinking I knew exactly where I was going after graduation.”

Kaiser received a scholarship offer from Minnesota on Dec. 20 before committing to Penn State four days later. He announced his decision on social media, writing that he was “blessed” after conversations with head coach Matt Campbell and tight ends coach Derek Hoodjer.

“Coach Campbell was the first person to really believe in me and offer me a scholarship,” Kaiser said. “He’s a very genuine person and has done a great job recruiting me. He would call me three to four times a month since my first visit.”

Kaiser also pointed to the effort Campbell and his staff made to recruit him in western Nebraska.

“Coach Campbell and his staff have been to Sidney multiple times over the last year,” Kaiser said. “Sidney is not an easy place to get to - it’s not on the way to anywhere really - so that’s always been a huge plus for me.”

Kaiser said Penn State’s tradition and defensive reputation also factored heavily into his decision.

“Penn State is a phenomenal historical program,” Kaiser said. “It’s also known as Linebacker U, so that’s something that is special to me. I can’t wait to get out to State College and see it for myself.”

Kaiser capped an accomplished senior season for the Red Raiders, earning all-state, all-district and all-conference honors, along with district player of the year recognition. He was also named to the second-team defense on USA Today’s All-Midwest football team.

Sidney finished the season 12-1 and earned the Class C1 state runner-up trophy.

Defensively, Kaiser recorded 111 total tackles, including 39 tackles for loss, 30 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions. On offense, he rushed for 183 yards on 22 carries and caught 40 passes for 592 yards, scoring 12 touchdowns.

Over his high school career, Kaiser totaled 352 tackles on defense. As a receiver, he finished with 61 catches for 882 yards, averaging 14.5 yards per catch.

Kaiser said he spoke with Campbell for about 45 minutes earlier in the week, discussing Penn State’s facilities, history and expectations.

“He was telling me about the school, facilities and history,” Kaiser said. “I’m really excited to see it.”