Iowa State put together one of the best recruiting classes in program history under new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell, bringing 22 2026 recruits into the fold. With Campbell setting up shop in Happy Valley, those recruits could flip to Penn State in the coming weeks.
Update: Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m.-
The cyclones released former signee Amarion “AJ” Jackson, a three-star receiver who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 170 pounds, was released from his commitment to the program, adding another potential target for Penn State. Hayes Fawcett of Rivals broke the news, with Jackson confirming it via a retweet.
Bryson Williams Becomes Available
An enticing recruiting target for Penn State Football became available on Tuesday, Dec. 9, as the Iowa State Cyclones released former signee Bryson Williams, a three-star safety, from his National Letter of Intent. Williams announced the move in a Twitter (X) post.
The Nittany Lions poached head coach Matt Campbell away from Iowa State on Dec. 5, bringing a nearly two month long search to an end. Williams, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 180 pounds, committed to the Cyclones in June, choosing them over Washington State and Vanderbilt.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Penn State might have the inside edge on his recruiting because of Williams’ tie to Campbell, but they’ll have to watch out for those programs as well. Williams initially committed to the Cyclones because of their success in developing high-level defensive backs, and he tagged current Iowa State co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Deon Broomfield in his commitment post.
If the Nittany Lions can get Broomfield to follow Campbell to Happy Valley like several of his other assistants, that could further increase their chances of bringing Williams into the fold. While only a three-star recruit right now, his lanky frame — Williams has a reported 6-foot-8 wingspan — and top-level speed could help him develop into a star as he continues to add size and strength.
After getting a late start on recruiting due to their coaching search — inking just two players when the signing period opened on Dec. 3 — Penn State will need to get busy with recruiting in order to smooth over the transition period.
Click here for more news about the beginning of the Matt Campbell era.
