Penn State’s new coaching staff isn’t just focused on the immediate future-they’re already laying down groundwork for long-term success. While the 2027 recruiting cycle is in full swing, the Nittany Lions are also turning their attention to the next wave of talent, and one name stands out early: Carter Barrett.
Barrett, a 6-foot-6, 288-pound offensive tackle out of Dowling Catholic in West Des Moines, Iowa, became the first publicly known offer from Penn State’s 2028 class. That’s not just a footnote-it’s a statement. When a program makes a move that early, it usually means they see something special.
The connection here runs deeper than just a new name on the offer sheet. Offensive line coach Ryan Clanton and head coach Matt Campbell had already been tracking Barrett closely at Iowa State before making the move to Happy Valley. So when Clanton extended the offer over the weekend, it wasn’t a cold call-it was a continuation of a relationship that’s already been building.
Barrett’s size jumps off the page, but so does the timing of this offer. For a staff just settling into a new program, identifying and acting on a top 2028 target this early shows a clear plan: establish relationships early, build trust, and get ahead of the curve.
And Barrett’s not taking the opportunity lightly. As his recruitment begins to heat up, the Penn State offer is already standing out. For a player with his physical tools and upside, this could be the first of many, but being first matters-especially when it comes from a Big Ten program with a renewed energy and a coaching staff that clearly knows what it wants in the trenches.
It’s early, but the message is clear: Penn State isn’t just planning for tomorrow-they’re building for the seasons beyond, and Carter Barrett is right at the center of that vision.