Penn State Football Adds 4-Star Tight End to 2027 Recruiting Class

Cooper Terwilliger, a top-ranked tight end prospect from South Dakota, commits to the Nittany Lions' growing 2027 recruiting class.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football player making a catch, with the player's body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, white, and gold.Penn State's 2027 recruiting class gains a key piece with the commitment of 4-star tight end Cooper Terwilliger.Pierre Today

Cooper Terwilliger, a 4-star tight end prospect from South Dakota, has committed to join the Penn State football team's 2027 recruiting class. Terwilliger, ranked as the 12th-best tight end in the nation, chose the Nittany Lions over offers from several top programs including Alabama, Texas A&M, and Michigan.

Why it matters

Penn State's 2027 recruiting class has been a priority for new head coach Matt Campbell, who has worked to rebuild the program's recruiting momentum after several decommitments following the previous coaching change. Terwilliger's commitment is a significant addition that boosts the class into the top 20 nationally.

The details

Terwilliger (6-5, 225 pounds) is a consensus 4-star prospect and the nation's 12th-ranked tight end, according to the 247Sports Composite. He plays for T.F. Riggs High in Pierre, South Dakota, which has won seven straight state championships. Terwilliger caught 38 passes for 549 yards and four touchdowns during his junior season.

  • Terwilliger announced his commitment on April 13, 2026.
  • Terwilliger visited Penn State in January 2026 before making his decision.

The players

Cooper Terwilliger

A 4-star tight end prospect from South Dakota who is ranked as the 12th-best tight end in the nation.

Matt Campbell

The head coach of the Penn State football team who has worked to rebuild the program's recruiting momentum.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Committed!! Let's Work!! #nittanynation”

— Cooper Terwilliger

“You're playing catch up in some ways in terms of your '27 class because to me it's no different than I said about spring practice: Slow and right is critical. It's all about the human beings that we bring in here, and so I'm a huge person in relationships. Who fits Penn State, who fits our culture? And so we're going to do it slow and right. And we're going to make sure any young man that we try to bring in here is the right fit for our football program.”

— Matt Campbell, Penn State Head Coach

What’s next

Penn State will continue to build out its 2027 recruiting class, with Terwilliger's commitment serving as a strong foundation. The team will look to add more top talent to the class in the coming months.

The takeaway

Cooper Terwilliger's commitment to Penn State is a significant boost for the Nittany Lions' 2027 recruiting class, which has become a priority for new head coach Matt Campbell. Terwilliger's addition as a top-ranked tight end prospect helps strengthen the class and shows Campbell's ability to attract elite talent to the program.