3 Must-Have Recruits for Matt Campbell’s First Penn State Class in 2026

Since then, the Nittany Lions have added commitments from 4 former Iowa State signees. Expect there to be more on that front.

With the final signing period for the class of 2026 coming in February, here are 3 recruits the Nittany Lions should be prioritizing.

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Samson Gash: The 4-Star Legacy WR Penn State Can’t Let Slip

Samson Gash has garnered the most buzz of anyone as a late signee.

Gash’s Father played at Penn State, so on paper, this makes sense.

But, the tricky thing is, Penn State got in on Gash late.

James Franklin‘s staff never offered him, but his Penn State offer did arrive shortly after Matt Campbell arrived.

Gash is committed to his home state, Michigan State Spartans.

Despite being committed, he decided to hold off on signing until February, a sign that he is still open to other suitors.

Gash has drawn interest from Penn State and Georgia recently. Penn State offered, and then Georgia did. This muddied the waters for Penn State a little bit.

Gash is a huge priority for the new staff in Happy Valley. He is a 4-star wideout with some serious upside. As Penn State and Georgia pursue, it will be a race to the finish line.

Jordan Deck: Can Campbell Pull Off a Texas-Sized Flip?

Jordan Deck is a super fascinating name to keep an eye on in this nearly baked class of 2026.

Deck signed with Michigan before all of the Sherrone Moore news broke. Sources indicate that Deck and the Nittany Lions may not be finished with eachother.

Finishing with a storied high school career from Texas, Deck would be a gigantic recruiting win for Matt Campbell. It will depend on 2 things. 1, will Penn State be able to lure Deck away from the Wolverines. 2.

Will Deck be able to be released from his letter of intent? It seems likely that Deck would be granted a release, but every day that goes by favors Michigan more and more.

With Deck’s final high school game concluding last Friday, if there is movement, it would be soon.

Amari Sabb: Securing the Jersey Pipeline and the 2027 Foundation

The final prospect who the Nittany Lions need to prioritize is Amari Sabb.

Sabb is a lower rated, 3-star from New Jersey. Sabb has an older brother who plays for Alabama, and a younger brother who is one of the premiere players in the class of 2027. Sabb holds a bevy of offers, but doesn’t have a home set in stone.

On a normal year, Amari Sabb probably comes in too undersized to be a take for Penn State. However, with so few bodies coming in in the class of 2026, Penn State should put the full court press on Sabb.

He comes from a great family, has versatility, and might help your recruiting pitch with his younger brother Xavier. It seems like a no brainer for Matt Campbell to go after Amari Sabb.

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