Penn State’s recruiting efforts under new head coach Matt Campbell are starting to show signs of life - and perhaps more importantly, signs of momentum. After a rocky 2025 season that saw the program lose both games and key commitments, Campbell and his staff are making up ground with the Class of 2027, and a recent development involving a promising wideout from New Jersey is the latest indication that things may be turning around in Happy Valley.
Penn State Re-engages 3-Star WR Isaiah Alvarez
One of the newest names back on Penn State’s radar is Isaiah Alvarez, a 6-foot, 260-pound wide receiver out of Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J. The Nittany Lions re-extended an offer to Alvarez on February 6, joining a crowded field of 17 programs that have expressed interest in the junior standout.
Alvarez is currently ranked No. 588 nationally in the 247Sports Composite, the No. 75 wide receiver in his class, and the 20th overall prospect in New Jersey. His junior season stats back up the attention: 38 catches for 689 yards and six touchdowns through the air, plus 83 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
Ten total touchdowns in a season at a powerhouse like Don Bosco? That’ll get you noticed.
What’s significant here isn’t just the numbers - it’s the renewed mutual interest. Alvarez had previously cooled on Penn State during the program’s downturn, but the re-offer seems to have reignited his curiosity. Speaking with 247Sports’ Tyler Calvaruso, Alvarez said, “I like what they are building over there right now,” referring to Campbell’s early work in reshaping the program.
That comment might seem simple on the surface, but it speaks volumes. For a player with nearly 20 offers to publicly acknowledge a shift in perception? That means Campbell’s message is getting through.
Campbell’s Early Pitch Is Resonating
Let’s rewind for a second. Penn State’s 2025 regular season was, by all accounts, a disappointment.
The program parted ways with James Franklin - who had taken over at Virginia Tech - and the fallout included a wave of de-commitments that left the recruiting board in disarray. That’s the kind of turbulence that can take years to recover from.
But Campbell isn’t waiting around. Since taking the reins, he’s worked quickly to re-establish relationships and reframe the program’s identity. While there hasn’t been a Class of 2027 commitment just yet, there’s growing optimism around the direction things are heading.
One example? Five-star running back Kemon Spell ultimately chose Georgia, but the fact that Penn State was seriously back in the mix for a player of that caliber says a lot. That wasn’t happening a few months ago.
Then there’s four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor - another top 2027 prospect who, according to 247Sports’ Crystal Ball predictions, is currently trending toward Penn State. Again, no commitment yet, but the buzz is real. And in recruiting, buzz often precedes signatures.
Rebuilding Trust, One Prospect at a Time
What Campbell is doing right now is laying the foundation - not just for a class, but for a culture. He’s re-engaging players who had previously written off the program. He’s showing that Penn State isn’t just trying to recover - it’s trying to evolve.
That’s what makes the Alvarez situation worth watching. He’s not the highest-ranked recruit on the board, but he’s a microcosm of something bigger.
He’s a talented player who had moved on - and now, he’s looking again. That’s a win for a staff trying to re-establish credibility.
It’s also a reminder that recruiting isn’t just about stars or rankings. It’s about relationships, timing, and momentum. And right now, Matt Campbell is starting to generate all three.
The Class of 2027 is still wide open, and Campbell hasn’t locked down a commitment yet. But with players like Alvarez taking notice, it’s clear that Penn State is back in the conversation - and that’s exactly where they need to be.