Layton von Brandt, one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the country out of Appoquinimink High School in Middletown, Delaware, is once again considering Penn State - and this time, there’s a new regime in town trying to bring him back into the fold.
Von Brandt originally committed to the Nittany Lions back in November 2024, drawn in by the program’s trajectory and the coaching of then-head coach James Franklin and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein. But when Franklin was let go in October, the four-star lineman hit pause on his commitment and reopened his recruitment - a move that sent ripple effects across the college football recruiting landscape.
Now, with Matt Campbell officially installed as Penn State’s new head coach and Ryan Clanton taking over the offensive line, the Nittany Lions are making another push. On Friday night, Campbell and Clanton re-offered von Brandt, signaling that he remains a priority target under the new staff.
It’s early days in this renewed relationship. Von Brandt is still getting to know Campbell and Clanton, but there’s already a sense that Campbell has made a strong first impression. For a player of von Brandt’s caliber - a physically gifted, technically sound tackle who projects as a future cornerstone on the offensive line - the coaching staff’s vision and developmental track record will be critical in shaping his next move.
Penn State’s re-entry into the mix doesn’t automatically mean von Brandt is heading back to Happy Valley, but it does show that the new staff isn’t wasting any time re-establishing ties with top-tier talent. And if Campbell continues to connect with recruits like von Brandt, it could signal a promising start to a new chapter in State College.