Will Slagle might be one of the most familiar faces in Penn State’s 2027 recruiting orbit - and not just because he’s a Top247 offensive lineman out of Grinnell, Iowa. Slagle’s connection to the Nittany Lions’ new coaching staff runs deeper than most, thanks to a relationship that started long before they ever set foot in State College.
Back when the staff was still building at Iowa State, Slagle was all in. He committed to the Cyclones under then-head coach Matt Campbell, drawn in by the vision, the culture, and the trust he built with the staff.
But when Campbell made the move to Penn State, everything changed. Slagle, a legacy recruit at Iowa State, reopened his recruitment - and suddenly, Penn State was in prime position.
This past weekend, Slagle made the trip to Happy Valley for his first visit under the new regime, attending Campbell’s second junior day as head coach. And by all accounts, the visit hit all the right notes.
For Slagle and his family, the trip was about more than just seeing the facilities or posing for pictures in a uniform. It was about getting a feel for the program - how it operates, what it stands for, and how it aligns with the values that first drew him to Campbell’s staff in Ames. From that standpoint, the visit delivered.
What stood out most? The consistency.
According to Slagle, Penn State’s staff hasn’t changed its approach just because they’re now operating on a bigger stage. The same authenticity, attention to detail, and relationship-first mindset that earned his trust at Iowa State is still front and center in State College.
That kind of continuity matters - especially for a player like Slagle, who’s built his recruitment around trust and familiarity just as much as scheme fit or depth charts. And while his recruitment is still open, it’s clear that Penn State has positioned itself as a serious contender, not just because of the logo on the helmet, but because of the people behind it.
Slagle’s journey is still unfolding, but if this weekend’s visit is any indication, the Nittany Lions are firmly in the mix - and maybe even out in front.