Penn State's class of 2027 recruitment is on a steady path so far with three commits, and two more are potentially entering the picture. On the field now, wide receivers Trebor Pena and Devonte Ross are already proving their status despite not playing as Nittany Lions yet as watch list selectees. Drew Allar is retaining the hype as well earning a spot on two different preseason watch lists. In the pros already, a new development emerged in the recent Micah Parsons contract dispute.
Here's everything you missed lately in Penn State football.
Penn State football seeks recruitment redemption with class of 2027
Penn State football is an early favorite to land an out of state offensive lineman. Lucas Rhoa is ranked 267th nationally and 26th among interior offensive linemen. The Nittany Lions have a 44.2 percent chance of landing Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. native. USC has a 13.7 percent projection to land Rhoa, the second most likely of his top four schools.
Penn State also has a good chance with another out of state recruit. Wide receiver Myles McAfee is the No. 12 receiver in the country from the class of 2027. Ohio State, Oregon, and Maryland also have a shot, but right now the Nittany Lions leads with a 42.5 percent chance. McAfee said that the Terrapins are still up there, though, given they're his home state team.
If he were to commit to Penn State, he'd complete its quartet of current top targets with wide receiver Khalil Taylor, offensive tackle Layton Von Brandt, and running back Kemon Spell.
Jerry Jones dismisses trade request, but silence ensues in Micah Parsons contract dispute
Parsons posted a public statement saying he submitted a trade request on Aug. 1. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dismissed this, though, saying the request was all a part of negotiation. The two parties have yet to speak since and Parsons continues to sit out of drills at training camp.
When speaking to media, Jones said he is not confident Parsons will be playing the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Transfer wide receivers already receiving high praise in preseason
Pena and Ross were named to the 2025 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List. While the two have yet to showcase their talents in the blue and white jerseys, they are going to give the Nittany Lions the boost they need in their wide receiver depth.
Head coach James Franklin isn't concerned about offensive versatility now. The depth gives Allar another option and more targets compared to 2024. Though he's without tight end Tyler Warren, who made his NFL preseason debut on Thursday, the tight end room isn't vacant entirely. Khalil Dinkins is especially stepping out as a valuable player as a blocker and pass catcher now playing out from behind Warren's shadow.
Drew Allar still a top tier quarterback despite doubt
Allar also earned a spot on two preseason watch lists. The quarterback is one of three dozen across the country that made the 2025 Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List. He's also one of four Big Ten passers alongside Nico Iamaleava, Luke Altmyer, and Fernando Mendoza.
Running back Nicholas Singleton joins Allar on the 2025 Walter Camp Award Watch List. Allar was a semifinalist in 2024 for the prestigious College Player of the Year Award. Now as he's expected to make another leap in his game, he has potential in 2025 to make a case for himself for the honor.