The Reality of a Reset

In the world of college football recruiting, numbers usually tell the story. But for Penn State’s Class of 2026, the numbers—specifically the #62 national ranking from On3—tell only half of it.

Wednesday marked the close of the 2026 cycle, Matt Campbell’s first at the helm. It was, by definition, a “Transition Class.” And history tells us these are never pretty on paper.

The “Bridge” Strategy

With limited time to salvage a class that saw mass decommitments following the coaching change, Campbell and his staff pivoted to a familiar strategy: Evaluation over Stars.

Instead of chasing flashy 4-star prospects who were already leaning elsewhere, the staff locked in on 15 high school signees who fit the new “Ames East” culture.

• Jackson Ford (EDGE): The highest-rated player in the class. A long, athletic pass rusher who fits the new 4-2-5 “Leo” role perfectly.
• Pete Eglitis (OL): A gritty interior lineman who flipped from Iowa State, bringing immediate knowledge of the offensive system.

The Transfer Portal Factor

The low high school ranking is offset by a massive influx of veteran talent. The staff signed 40 transfers, effectively treating the portal as their primary recruiting ground for 2026. This isn’t a long-term strategy, but a short-term necessity to field a competitive roster in Year 1.

The Bottom Line

Fans accustomed to Top 10 classes under the previous regime may find the #62 number jarring. But this class wasn’t about winning February. It was about finding the specific bricks needed to lay a new foundation. The real judgment of Campbell’s recruiting prowess begins now, with the Class of 2027.