Hopewell quarterback James Armstrong (5) fires the ball downfield during the Western Hills Conference game between Hopewell and Avonworth Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at Lenzner Field in Ohio Twp., Pa.
When it comes to recruiting, it’s never too early to look ahead, especially for a new coaching staff such as Matt Campbell and Penn State Football, who are looking to set the foundation.
As the 2027 class enters official visit season, creating more clarity for players and programs the spotlight will soon shift to the next class up.
Establishing a Foundation: Deonte Flemings Jr. and Penn State’s 2028 Head Start
There’s good news for Penn State as the Nittany Lions already have a head start with one commitment already in the fast rising cornerback out of McDowell, Deonte Flemings Jr.
There are 90 prospects out of the new Rivals 300 with Penn State offers.
Here are five players Penn State is keeping an eye on, that fans should get to know …
Nasir Richardson: Turning the Garden State Into a Premium Pipeline
Richardson continues to shine and impress scouts from across the country and will no doubt be one of Penn State’s top targets for the class.
The lockdown cornerback plays out of Malcom X Shabazz in Newark NJ, which could give Penn State the inside track in landing the blue-chip 5-star.
The staff in Happy Valley has strong connections to not only the state, but Malcom X Shabazz particularly.
It will not be easy by any means, but the new regime has shown its commitment to try and turn the Garden State into a pipeline, and with the relationship is in place, that should make fans feel optimistic.
James “Boo Boo” Armstrong: The High-Rising Western PA Signal Caller
It was only a matter of time before the super athletic signal caller with a rocket arm blew up in the recruiting world while rising up in the rankings.
Armstrong recently has made his way into offer after offer this spring, and it will only continue as he continues to dominate on the football field.
At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, and still growing, Armstrong runs like a running back and has as strong an arm as anyone in the class.
The composite 4-star top-10 QB has a strong relationship with staff and a high interest in Penn State, so fans should feel pretty confident as of now. But, as Armstrong continues to rise, so will his offer sheet, leading to a highly contested recruiting battle that the Penn State staff is hoping they can win.
Cam Toomey: Penn State Football Battling for the King of the Empire State
The king of New York is Cam Toomey, as he is the top player in the Empire State and a top 10 edge rusher for his class.
Ranked as the number 62 overall player for 2028, Toomey just recently visited Happy Valley, and in doing so, picked up a new offer from the new staff.
Toomey, as a junior, already has the body of a power 4 edge rusher at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. The star edge rusher is being recruited by some of the best programs in America, But things seem to be trending towards Penn State having a really good chance of landing him.
Regardless, Toomey is certainly a player you want to keep an eye on in the future.
George Parkinson IV: Keeping PA’s Dominant Top-100 Blueprint at Home
Besides the No. 1 player in the entire country, there is no higher-ranked player than George Parkinson, in the state of Pennsylvania.
The 4-star top 100 edge rusher is absolutely dominant on tape, and that has led to programs across the country offering scholarships and inviting him to campus.
Parkinson will have interest from all blue blood programs, but one aspect that gives Penn State hope is that not only is he from Pennsylvania, but he attends a high school program that has strong relationships with the Nittany Lions.
Just this 2026 cycle, 4-star highly recruited edge rusher from Malvern Prep signed with Penn State, in Jackson Samuel Ford.
That being said, there’s plenty of work to be done, and edge rushers coach Christian Smith will have to fend off plenty of suitors if Happy Valley is going to become home for George Parkinson
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Ty Winn: The Massive Philadelphia Tackle Built Like a Freight Train
Ty Winn has only recently really established himself as a top offensive tackle in the class 2028, but the results have been offers from all over the country.
Every program Winn visits is accompanied by him leaving with a scholarship offer in hand.
There really isn’t much a scout doesn’t like about Winn’s game.
At 6-foot-8 and 271 pounds, with an 85-inch wingspan and 36 inch arms, Winn has prototypical size to dominate the Big Ten.
On top of his metrics, Winn has extremely nimble feet and hits defenders with the force of a freight train.
The Philadelphian 4-star tackle is 29th ranked at his position, but that will definitely change sooner than later.
Sources indicate offensive line coach Ryan Clanton made a great first impression on the soon-to-be high school junior, but there will be National contenders battling for his signature come December 2027.
Penn State Football Recruiting: 5 Blue-Chip Targets Trending Toward the Nittany Lions’ 2027 Class
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He started a successful Penn State Football account on X a little over a year and a half ago.
Tapped into recruiting both regionally and nationally, Ed graduated Rowan University with a Journalism degree.
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