Shakopee standout linebacker makes his college choice national news

Three-star recruit Blake Betton commits to play football at Penn State

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:19am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team colors of maroon and gold, representing the commitment of a top recruit from Shakopee to Penn State.Shakopee's standout linebacker Blake Betton's college commitment to Penn State is a proud moment for the community, showcasing the region's pipeline of top-tier football talent.Shakopee Today

Shakopee native and three-star linebacker Blake Betton has committed to play football at Penn State, choosing the Nittany Lions over several major programs. Ranked among Minnesota's top recruits, Betton tallied strong defensive stats in 2025 and already has an official campus visit set for June 2026.

Why it matters

Betton's college commitment is a major milestone for the Shakopee community, as the standout linebacker has drawn national attention and will represent the area at a top Division I program. His decision highlights the growing talent pipeline from the Shakopee region to elite college football programs.

The details

Blake Betton, a three-star linebacker from Shakopee, Minnesota, has committed to play football at Penn State University. Betton, who is ranked among the top recruits in the state, had offers from several major programs but ultimately chose to join the Nittany Lions. In his standout 2025 season, Betton recorded impressive defensive stats that caught the eye of college scouts.

  • Betton committed to Penn State in April 2026.
  • He has an official campus visit to Penn State scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Blake Betton

A three-star linebacker from Shakopee, Minnesota who has committed to play football at Penn State University.

Penn State Football

The Division I college football program at Pennsylvania State University, which has recruited Betton to join their team.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have Blake join our program. He's a talented player who will be a great fit for our defense.”

— James Franklin, Head Coach, Penn State Football

What’s next

Betton will officially visit the Penn State campus in June 2026 before enrolling and joining the team for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Betton's commitment to Penn State is a proud moment for the Shakopee community, showcasing the region's ability to produce top-tier football talent that can compete at the highest levels of college sports.