Is Penn State Football in Danger of Losing its Top QB Target?

Penn State Football might be in danger of losing its top uncommitted quarterback target to Oregon.

Michael Van Buren, a 4-star QB from Maryland will take another trip out to Oregon next weekend for the Ducks’ spring game. This announcement comes just a week after Van Buren was on an unofficial visit to Oregon and just days after he released a top three group of Penn State, Oregon and Maryland.

The consensus is that this recruitment will come down to the Nittany Lions and Ducks.

Penn State Football seemed to be in a good place with the St. Frances Academy quarterback in recent weeks.

Multiple experts from every major recruiting service entered predictions for Van Buren to wind up with Penn State Football. A second visit to Eugene in three weeks would suggest this recruitment is not close to over.

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How Losing Van Buren Would Impact Penn State Football

If the Nittany Lions do not land Van Buren, it’s unlikely that they come away with a blue-chip quarterback in the 2024 class.

The other top target for the staff, Luke Kromenhoek, recently reaffirmed his commitment to Florida State, making it Van Buren or bust for offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich.

Rated as the No. 11 quarterback in the 247 Sports Composite, Van Buren is a talented quarterback but there are concerns about his height, as he is listed at 5-foot-11. Those concerns may be more relevant for NFL scouts than a college staff, but it is notable.

Another visit to Oregon may put the Ducks on top in this recruitment, but Penn State Football will likely receive one more opportunity to turn the tide in the form of an official visit in June.

Other options may emerge later in the cycle, especially if Drew Allar has a massive season and recruits, like Kromenhoek, take notice. For now though, Penn State needs to keep the full-court press on Van Buren.