Penn State’s recruiting efforts took a pair of tough hits this week, as two highly touted prospects-five-star running back Kemon Spell and four-star wide receiver Samson Gash-opted to take their talents elsewhere.
Spell, one of the crown jewels of the 2027 class, announced his commitment to Georgia on February 2. That decision alone would have stung for the Nittany Lions. But just days later, Penn State took another blow when Gash officially signed with Michigan State on February 4, closing the door on a recruitment that had offered a glimmer of hope for head coach Matt Campbell and his staff.
Let’s start with Gash, a name that had been hovering around Penn State’s radar even after his initial commitment to the Spartans back in June 2025. Despite never decommitting from Michigan State, the wideout from Michigan kept his options open, taking visits and weighing offers from several programs. Alabama hosted him for an official visit in mid-October, and Wisconsin and Georgia also extended offers as his senior season progressed.
Penn State didn’t back down. Under Campbell’s new leadership, the Nittany Lions re-offered Gash on December 8 and managed to get him on campus for an official visit on January 16.
That visit was seen as a potential turning point-an opportunity for Penn State to make a late push and perhaps flip the talented receiver. But in the end, Gash stuck with his original pledge and signed with Michigan State, giving the Spartans a big win in their 2026 class.
Gash is no ordinary recruit. Ranked No. 283 nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings, he’s the No. 46 wide receiver in the country and the sixth-best prospect out of Michigan.
His senior season numbers back up the hype: nearly 1,000 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, and an impressive 17.2 yards per catch on 58 receptions. He also added a rushing dimension, with 63 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
What makes his decision even more notable for Penn State fans is the family connection. Gash’s father, Sam Gash, was a standout fullback for the Nittany Lions from 1987 to 1991 before going on to a successful NFL career that included a Super Bowl ring and two Pro Bowl nods. The younger Gash choosing a different path adds a layer of emotional weight to what’s already a tough recruiting loss.
For Matt Campbell and his staff, this is part of the growing pains that come with a coaching transition. Campbell has emphasized second chances-reopening conversations with players who may have previously looked elsewhere.
In Gash’s case, that second chance didn’t pan out. And with Spell also heading to Athens, it’s clear Penn State still has work to do in establishing recruiting traction under its new regime.
The good news? It’s still early in Campbell’s tenure.
These battles may not have gone Penn State’s way, but the Nittany Lions are clearly swinging for top-tier talent. The key now is turning those close calls into commitments.
For now, it’s back to the board as Penn State looks to close strong and build a foundation for the future.