Penn State Makes Top 10 for Elite 2027 DL Marcus Fakatou
Penn State is firmly in the mix for one of the most physically imposing defensive prospects in the 2027 recruiting class. Marcus Fakatou, the 6-foot-6, 275-pound defensive lineman out of Orange (Calif.)
Lutheran, trimmed his list of schools and included the Nittany Lions among his top 10. Joining Penn State on that list are Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma (twice listed), Oregon, and USC.
Fakatou is a name that's been buzzing in recruiting circles for good reason. Originally a member of the 2028 class, he reclassified to 2027, accelerating his timeline and putting himself on the radar of top programs even earlier.
He made his way to Happy Valley last fall for Penn State’s White Out game against Oregon-a visit that gave him a taste of the program’s electric atmosphere and passionate fan base. However, he has yet to return to campus since Matt Campbell took over as head coach in December.
That could change soon, especially with the kind of season Fakatou is coming off of. His 2025 campaign was nothing short of dominant: 69 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hurries, seven sacks, eight blocked field goals, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections. That’s production that jumps off the stat sheet-and it’s coming from a player who’s still refining his game.
What makes Fakatou stand out isn’t just the numbers, though. He’s a rare blend of raw power and athleticism, with a background that includes playing rugby-a sport that’s helped shape his aggressive, high-motor style in the trenches.
He’s often deployed as a 5-technique in a four-man front, where he uses his strength and leverage to collapse pockets and disrupt plays in the backfield. While he may not yet have elite burst as a pass rusher, he’s relentless in pursuit and has shown he can split double teams and disengage with a long arm.
There’s still room for refinement-particularly in anchoring against the run and developing more consistent pad level-but the tools are there. Whether he ends up kicking inside or playing as a 4i in an odd front, Fakatou projects as a potential difference-maker at the Power Four level.
Recruiting services are high on him as well. According to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite rankings, Fakatou is the No. 35 overall player and the No. 2 defensive lineman in the 2027 class. 247Sports’ in-house rankings list him at No. 60 overall and the No. 5 defensive lineman.
Penn State hasn’t secured a commitment in its 2027 class yet, but getting into the top 10 for a blue-chip prospect like Fakatou is a strong early signal. With Campbell now leading the charge, the Nittany Lions will be pushing hard to get him back on campus-and potentially make a serious move in the months ahead.