Penn State Kicks Off 2027 Recruiting Class with In-State Commit

Penn State is officially on the board for the 2027 recruiting cycle by adding a highly touted in-state prospect.

Kemon Spell, a running back from McKeesport, announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions on Friday. 

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Spell also played safety over his freshman year, but is expected to focus on the offensive side of the ball in college.

Spell is one in a handful of running backs the Nittany Lions are set to add over the next few years. 

James Franklin has earned commitments from a trio of ball carriers in the 2025 recruiting class — four-star Jabree Wallace-Coleman and three-stars Tiqwai Hayes and Kiandrea Barker — and also has a verbal pledge from 2026 running back Messiah Mickens.

Penn State running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider will work closely with two true freshmen this fall, Quinton Martin and Corey Smith, as Penn State begins to piece together a strong succession plan for two-year starters Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.