Penn State Nabs Top Recruits for 2027 Football Class

Matt Campbell's first full recruiting cycle at Penn State is off to a strong start with five early commitments.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:35pm

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Penn State football coach Matt Campbell has quickly assembled a top-ranked 2027 recruiting class, securing five early commitments including a four-star wide receiver, a top defensive lineman from New Jersey, and three defensive backs from Pennsylvania and Florida. The class is currently ranked 26th nationally and features several highly touted prospects who will help rebuild the Nittany Lions program.

Why it matters

After the departure of former coach James Franklin, Matt Campbell has moved swiftly to restock Penn State's talent pipeline with this 2027 class. Securing early commitments from top regional prospects is a strong sign that Campbell's recruiting approach is resonating, which will be crucial to the Nittany Lions' long-term success on the field.

The details

Penn State's 2027 recruiting class features five early commitments, including four-star wide receiver Landon Blum from Iowa, defensive lineman Carter Blattner from New Jersey, and defensive backs Ka'Ron Ceaser, Zachary Gleason, and Semajay Robinson. Blum is a standout 8-player football player who had offers from several Power 5 programs, while Blattner and the three defensive backs are all highly ranked prospects in their respective regions.

  • Penn State restarted its 2027 recruiting class with five commitments in the past week.
  • The 2027 class had previously lost all four of its initial commits after James Franklin's firing last October.

The players

Landon Blum

A four-star wide receiver from Woodbine, Iowa who plays 8-player football. Blum is the top-ranked player in Iowa and had offers from several Power 5 programs before committing to Penn State.

Carter Blattner

A 3-star defensive lineman from Allendale, New Jersey who is one of the top prospects in the state. Blattner also played offensive line and was named second-team all-state.

Ka'Ron Ceaser

A 3-star athlete from New Jersey who is expected to play cornerback at Penn State. Ceaser chose the Nittany Lions over offers from Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and other Power 5 programs.

Zachary Gleason

A 3-star cornerback from Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School in Pennsylvania. Gleason was a first-team all-conference selection and had 3 interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season.

Semajay Robinson

A 3-star cornerback from Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At 6'2" and 190 lbs, Robinson has the size to potentially grow into a safety position.

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What they’re saying

“All Glory to God”

— Landon Blum

“I'm HOME #WeAre 🦁”

— Carter Blattner

What’s next

Penn State's 2027 recruiting class will continue to take shape over the next several months, with official visits and additional commitments expected leading up to the early signing period in December.

The takeaway

Matt Campbell's early success in rebuilding Penn State's 2027 recruiting class demonstrates his ability to quickly establish relationships with top regional prospects. Securing commitments from highly-ranked players in key positions like wide receiver, defensive line, and defensive back lays a strong foundation for the Nittany Lions' future.