Penn State Zeroes In on 2027 Defensive Standout Rico Jackson as Matt Campbell Builds First Full Class
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Matt Campbell’s first full recruiting cycle at Penn State is officially underway, and the Nittany Lions are already making moves to lock in key talent for the future. One name to keep an eye on: Rico Jackson, a rising junior out of Quince Orchard High School in Maryland.
Jackson, a dynamic two-way athlete for a Quince Orchard squad that just wrapped up a perfect 14-0 season, is emerging as a priority target in the 2027 class. The 6-foot defensive back brings versatility, physicality, and a high football IQ - traits that have made him one of the more intriguing prospects in the region.
He’s slated to make an official visit to Happy Valley on June 12, where he’ll spend time with head coach Matt Campbell and veteran cornerbacks coach Terry Smith. That visit is a key step in what Penn State hopes will be a long-term relationship with one of the top defensive backs in the Mid-Atlantic.
This early in the cycle, visits like these are less about locking in commitments and more about building trust - and Penn State is clearly putting in the work. With Campbell looking to establish his recruiting identity in State College, connecting with players like Jackson is crucial.
Jackson’s trip to Penn State will be his second major visit of the summer. He’s also scheduled to head to Virginia Tech on June 5, where he’ll reunite with former Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin, now on staff with the Hokies. That adds an interesting wrinkle to the recruiting battle, as Franklin’s familiarity with the Penn State program could play a role in Jackson’s evaluation process.
But make no mistake - Jackson is still very much in the exploratory phase of his recruitment. With nearly two years until he can officially sign, schools are jockeying for position early, hoping to make lasting impressions. For Penn State, that means getting Jackson on campus, showing him the culture Campbell is building, and selling the long-term vision of the program.
Quince Orchard has long been a pipeline for high-level talent, and Jackson fits that mold. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball gives him a unique edge, but it’s his work in the secondary that has college coaches paying close attention. Whether it’s locking down receivers in man coverage or coming up to make plays in run support, Jackson’s tape speaks for itself.
This visit won’t determine Jackson’s final destination, but it’s a significant early step in a recruitment that figures to be competitive. For Penn State, it’s also a chance to show that under Matt Campbell, the program is going to be aggressive, strategic, and relentless when it comes to bringing elite talent to Happy Valley.
June 12 is circled on the calendar - and for good reason.