Penn State is wasting no time laying the groundwork for its 2027 recruiting class, and Saturday brought another key step in that process. The Nittany Lions extended an offer to three-star defensive lineman Carter Blattner - a name that might not jump off the page just yet, but one that’s quickly gaining traction in recruiting circles.
Blattner, a native of Allendale, New Jersey, is ranked No. 370 nationally in the 2027 class, per the 247Sports Composite. He’s also slotted as the No. 41 defensive lineman in the country and the eighth-best prospect coming out of the Garden State. While he might not carry the “can’t-miss” label just yet, his recruitment is starting to heat up - and Penn State is now officially in the mix.
Before the offer from the Nittany Lions, Kentucky appeared to be in the driver’s seat. The Wildcats extended their offer back on December 30 and hosted Blattner for Junior Day on January 17 - his only campus visit to date. But with Penn State now in the picture, the recruiting landscape around Blattner just got a little more interesting.
And it didn’t take long for the New Jersey standout to show his enthusiasm.
“Getting the offer from Penn State is huge for me. That has always been a place I wanted to go play,” Blattner said, via On3’s Ryan Snyder.
Shortly after receiving the offer, Blattner locked in a visit to Happy Valley for the spring. While the exact date hasn’t been announced - and Penn State has yet to release details about its annual Blue-White Spring Game - the visit could serve as a key moment in Blattner’s recruitment. If the initial trip goes well, don’t be surprised if he returns for the spring scrimmage in late April.
This offer is part of a broader push by head coach Matt Campbell and his staff to make early inroads with rising talent. Campbell, now in his first full recruiting cycle at the helm in State College, is showing that he’s not just looking to make noise with the five-star crowd - he’s also targeting high-upside prospects who fit the program’s long-term vision.
That said, Penn State’s recruiting efforts aren’t limited to under-the-radar names. Over the weekend, the Nittany Lions offered four-star tight end Ben Kolar - a player with a family tie to Campbell’s old stomping grounds at Iowa State. Kolar’s connection adds an intriguing wrinkle to his recruitment, and his skill set makes him a valuable target at a position Penn State has historically utilized well.
Meanwhile, five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou included Penn State in his top 10 schools, a list he released on Friday. That’s a significant development, especially as the Nittany Lions look to build out their defensive front with elite talent. And on Tuesday, four-star cornerback Kei’Shaun Telfair scheduled three official visits - one of which will bring him to Happy Valley.
So while Blattner’s offer might not grab national headlines, it’s a sign of a larger trend: Campbell and his staff are casting a wide net, blending high-profile targets with emerging players who could become foundational pieces down the road. And with spring visits on the horizon, the next few months could go a long way in shaping what this 2027 class looks like.
Blattner’s recruitment is just getting started, but Penn State has already made a strong first impression. Now, it’s about building on that momentum - one visit, one relationship, one commitment at a time.