Penn State is back in the mix for one of the biggest names in the 2027 recruiting class - and it’s a name they know well.
Five-star running back Kemon Spell, the top-ranked back in the country and the No. 7 overall player according to 247Sports, is once again trending toward Happy Valley. National recruiting analyst Brian Dohn recently logged a prediction for Penn State to land the McKeesport (PA) standout, signaling a potential reunion between the Nittany Lions and one of the most explosive playmakers in high school football.
If Spell’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was already in Penn State’s corner once. He originally committed to the program on August 2, 2024, following an unofficial visit just days earlier.
But that commitment began to waver after a monster performance on October 10, when Spell racked up six touchdowns in a win over Mars Area High School. After the game, he told reporters he was no longer “100%” committed to Penn State - a statement that raised eyebrows across the recruiting landscape.
The very next day, October 11, Penn State parted ways with longtime head coach James Franklin following a stretch of three straight losses that derailed a season that once had national title hopes. Spell officially decommitted on October 12, opening the door for other powerhouse programs to make their pitch.
And they did. Georgia, Notre Dame, and Miami were among the schools that quickly jumped into the race. On October 21, IrishIllustrated.com’s Eric Thomas even projected a commitment to Notre Dame, underscoring just how competitive Spell’s recruitment had become.
But now, with Matt Campbell taking the reins in State College, Penn State is making a strong push to bring Spell back into the fold. And the early signs are promising.
At 5-foot-9, 205 pounds, Spell is a compact, powerful runner with elite burst and vision. He’s the kind of back who can change a game with a single cut - and he’s been doing just that at the high school level. His blend of speed, balance, and physicality makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his ability to find the end zone is something coaches across the country have taken notice of.
While nothing is set in stone - and National Signing Day is still a long way off - the momentum appears to be swinging back in Penn State’s favor. Campbell and his staff have wasted no time re-engaging with top-tier talent, and Spell’s renewed interest is a testament to the early impact of the new regime.
If the Nittany Lions can lock down Spell for a second time, it would be a major statement - not just about their ability to recruit, but about the direction of the program under Campbell. For now, all eyes are on McKeesport, where one of the nation’s most electrifying prospects is once again taking a hard look at Penn State.