Penn State’s 2027 recruiting class took another blow Sunday when three-star linebacker Blake Betton switched his commitment from the Nittany Lions to Wisconsin, according to 247Sports.
Betton, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect from Shakopee, Minnesota, had been pledged to Penn State since April 11. Instead of heading to Happy Valley, he decided to stay closer to home and sign on with Luke Fickell’s Badgers.
The move stings for Penn State head coach Matt Campbell, who targeted Betton early after arriving in Happy Valley last December. Campbell and Betton already had familiarity from Campbell’s time at Iowa State, a connection that helped Penn State land his commitment earlier this year.
Betton’s profile helps explain why the flip matters. Rivals Industry Rankings list him as the No. 40 linebacker nationally and the No. 4 prospect in Minnesota. Rivals also rates him as a four-star recruit and the country’s No. 27 linebacker, while 247Sports has him at an 88 rating.
He backed up that buzz with production at Shakopee last season, piling up 88 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, four pass breakups and a fumble recovery during his junior year.
His ability to line up in multiple spots made him a useful piece for Penn State’s future linebacker group, but the Nittany Lions now have work to do. Oklahoma native Case Alexander is the lone linebacker still committed in Penn State’s 2027 class.
Betton’s flip also continues a rough stretch for the Nittany Lions on the recruiting trail. He is the second Penn State commitment to change course in recent days, following quarterback Will Wood’s switch to Boston College.
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