Penn State’s recruiting momentum under head coach Matt Campbell isn’t just real-it’s rolling. With the Class of 2026 already shaping up nicely, Campbell and his staff are wasting no time turning their attention to the next wave of elite talent. And on Thursday, they made a big move.
Associate head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith was down in North Carolina to meet with five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson, one of the crown jewels of the 2027 class. Dobson, a native of Cornelius, N.C., is currently ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 2 cornerback, and the top player in the state of North Carolina, per 247Sports Composite Rankings. That’s the kind of talent who can change a defensive backfield-and a program’s trajectory.
Dobson has been on Penn State’s radar for a while. The Nittany Lions extended an offer nearly a year ago, back on January 28, 2025.
Since then, Dobson has become one of the most sought-after prospects in the country, with 28 offers already on the table. He’s made visits to several powerhouse programs, including Clemson, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Auburn-each with its own pedigree and pitch.
Smith’s visit isn’t just a check-in. It’s a statement. Penn State is serious about bringing elite talent to Happy Valley, and Dobson fits the mold of the kind of defensive cornerstone the Nittany Lions want to build around.
And Dobson isn’t the only blue-chip recruit Penn State is chasing.
Campbell’s arrival has infused new energy into the program’s recruiting efforts. Five-star running back Kemon Spell is strongly considering a return to the Penn State fold.
Four-star running back Ty Keys has the Nittany Lions among his top choices. And four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor is also giving Penn State another hard look.
The Class of 2026 already features some key pieces, including three-star edge rusher Elijah Reeder. But to truly elevate into the national spotlight, Campbell and company know they need to land at least two of their marquee targets from the 2027 class.
That’s where names like edge rusher James Pace III, safety Gabe Jenkins, and wide receivers Matthew Gregory and Myles McAfee come into play. All are four-star prospects, and all are firmly on Penn State’s radar.
Even four-star quarterback Peter Bourque-currently committed to Michigan-remains a target. Campbell hasn’t closed the book on that one yet.
This isn’t just about stacking stars. It’s about building a foundation for the future. Campbell’s vision is clear: bring in elite talent, develop it, and return Penn State to the national championship conversation.
Visits like the one Terry Smith made to see Joshua Dobson? That’s how it starts.