The 2027 high school class in Pennsylvania is absolutely stacked - arguably one of the deepest talent pools the state has seen in years. For Penn State head coach Matt Campbell, that’s both an opportunity and a challenge. He’s looking to build a foundation for a future national title push in Happy Valley, but so far, the early returns haven’t been ideal.
The biggest blow? Five-star running back Kemon Spell, the top-ranked player in the state, is headed to Georgia.
That’s a tough miss for any program, especially when you're trying to make a statement in your first full recruiting cycle. As of now, Campbell and his staff are still waiting on their first commitment in the 2027 class.
But this week brought a much-needed glimmer of hope - and it came in the form of a familiar name.
Layton Von Brandt, a four-star offensive tackle out of Middletown, Delaware, announced his spring visit schedule on social media. Among the stops: a return trip to Happy Valley on April 18.
That’s a big deal. Von Brandt, who originally committed to Penn State back in November 2024, reopened his recruitment following James Franklin’s dismissal.
He’s currently ranked as the No. 38 overall player in the country and the fifth-best offensive tackle in the class, per the 247Sports Composite.
While he’s not a Pennsylvania native, Von Brandt is a key target for Campbell and his staff - not just because of his talent, but because of what his commitment would represent. Rebuilding that bridge has been a priority since Campbell took over, and it appears the relationship is warming back up.
A big part of that progress can be traced to Ryan Clanton, Penn State’s new offensive line coach. Since stepping in for Phil Trautwein, Clanton has reportedly built a strong rapport with Von Brandt. That connection could prove critical, especially considering the competition Penn State is facing.
Trautwein, now back at his alma mater Florida, is very much in the picture. He joined Jon Sumrall’s staff in Gainesville after the season and has already pulled a couple of former Penn State offensive linemen - Eagan Boyer and TJ Shanahan Jr. - down south with him. Add in the fact that James Franklin is still active on the recruiting trail, and you’ve got a recruiting battle with plenty of familiar faces and high stakes.
For Campbell, this is one of those early tests that could define his tenure in State College. At Iowa State, he made his name developing under-the-radar three-star prospects into NFL-caliber players.
But in the Big Ten - especially in the new-look version that’s only getting more competitive - you’ve got to land your share of blue-chippers. Von Brandt represents more than just a top-50 recruit; he’s a chance for Campbell to plant his flag and show that Penn State can still go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights for elite talent.
April 18 is circled. Now, it’s about making that visit count.