Penn State’s search for a quarterback in the 2027 recruiting class has taken a sharp turn after Will Wood flipped to Boston College, and the Nittany Lions are now working with less than six weeks left before National Signing Day to find a replacement.
The latest name to surface is Braylen Warren, a senior at Omaha (Neb.) Westside High School. Penn State made that move during its bye week, with Matt Campbell visiting Warren and extending an offer.
That stop fits a familiar recruiting lane for the staff from its Iowa State days. Penn State’s 2026 freshman class already included a player from that program, safety Bryson Williams.
Warren carries real status in the cycle. He is a Top247 prospect and checks in as the 13th-ranked quarterback nationally in 247Sports’ Class of 2027 ratings. The catch, of course, is that he has been pledged to Missouri since last December.
On the latest Lions247 Podcast, Tyler Calvaruso broke down why Warren has become a late Penn State target and what else matters as the staff tries to land a quarterback by December.
Penn State’s original plan at the position seemed set when Wood committed in May. Campbell, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters all believed they had their long-term answer. That changed last weekend when Wood flipped to Boston College, choosing to stay close to home.
The Nittany Lions are looking to build a young quarterback foundation in 2027 and beyond. Current starter Rocco Becht and Division III transfer Connor Barry will both be out of eligibility after this season.
The room already has some younger pieces in place, too. Redshirt freshman Alex Manske and true freshman Kase Evans were part of earlier plans at Iowa State, while another true freshman, Peyton Falzone, moved to tight end in August.
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