Penn State football is making a serious statement on the recruiting trail, and the momentum under new head coach Matt Campbell shows no signs of slowing down. With the 2027 class still taking shape, the Nittany Lions have secured a major win, vaulting up the national rankings in the process.
The latest boost comes from Cooper Terwilliger, a four-star tight end from South Dakota. Ranked as the No. 194 overall prospect and the No. 9 tight end in his class, Terwilliger's commitment is a significant coup for Penn State, marking the highest-ranked pledge of the Campbell era so far. His decision to choose Happy Valley over Notre Dame underscores the immediate recruiting pull of the new staff.
This single commitment had a seismic impact on Penn State's standing. The Nittany Lions leaped an impressive nine spots in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, now holding the No. 19 class nationally. In doing so, they surged past powerhouse programs like Alabama, Michigan, Clemson, Florida State, and Kentucky—a clear signal that Penn State is a force to be reckoned with in the new recruiting landscape.
Campbell's strategy is becoming evident. After much of the 2026 class followed former coach James Franklin to Virginia Tech, Campbell has adeptly leveraged his established Midwest connections. He brought a core group from his Iowa State recruiting class to Penn State and is now building upon those relationships for the future.
Terwilliger himself cited his pre-existing bond with the staff, a theme echoed by other recent commits. Just earlier this month, Penn State landed Landon Blum, Iowa's top-ranked player and a four-star wide receiver who was once leaning toward Iowa State. "I have a great relationship with the old ISU staff and new PSU staff right now," Blum noted, highlighting the continuity Campbell has fostered.
The weekend also saw a commitment from four-star Minnesota linebacker Blake Betton, adding more defensive firepower. The class is rounded out by key regional pickups, including three-star defensive lineman Carter Blattner from New Jersey and three-star cornerback Zachary Gleason from Pittsburgh.
For a program in transition, this recruiting surge is more than just collecting stars; it's about building a foundation. Each commitment reinforces a new culture and a clear vision under Matt Campbell. As these blue-chip athletes buy in, the future in Happy Valley looks increasingly bright, setting the stage for the next generation of Nittany Lions to compete at the highest level.