Penn State is wasting no time under Matt Campbell. With his second junior day now in the books, the Nittany Lions are clearly making moves-both with top 2027 targets and by getting a head start on the 2028 class. And Saturday’s action-packed visit weekend delivered another win for the program.
The headline? Erie McDowell cornerback Deonte Flemings Jr. is officially on board.
The in-state standout became Penn State’s first commitment in the 2028 class, choosing the Nittany Lions over offers from Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and West Virginia. That’s not a light list of suitors, and it speaks to the kind of upside Flemings Jr. brings to the table.
This was a recruitment that came together quickly. Penn State extended the offer just last week-one Flemings Jr. had long hoped for-and by Saturday, after spending time with the staff in person, he knew where he wanted to be.
That kind of immediate connection with the coaches and the program says a lot about the culture Campbell is building in Happy Valley. And for Penn State, landing a player with Flemings Jr.’s potential this early in the cycle gives them a foundational piece to build around in the 2028 class.
Flemings Jr. isn’t just a talented corner with length and athleticism-he’s also got the makings of a tone-setter for his class. Getting that kind of presence in the fold early can help attract other top-tier talent, especially from within the state.
But the work didn’t stop there. Saturday was a busy and productive day for the Penn State staff, and they’re looking to carry that momentum into Sunday.
One name to keep an eye on: 2027 linebacker Blake Betton. He’s making his visit just ahead of the NCAA’s dead period, which kicks in Monday.
That timing matters. With in-person contact about to pause, this visit could be pivotal in shaping Betton’s recruitment going forward.
Betton’s a key target for Penn State in the 2027 cycle, and getting him on campus before the dead period gives the staff a final chance to make a strong impression. If Saturday’s success is any indication, they’re putting themselves in a good position.
All in all, it’s clear that Matt Campbell and his staff are hitting the ground running-not just checking boxes, but making real progress with both current and future classes. The early returns from junior day suggest that Penn State is building something with staying power.