James Franklin delivers punch to Penn State with 4-star QB win at Virginia Tech

Penn State football's place in four-star quarterback Peter Bourque's mind started dropping lower as his commitment date, May 14, approached. As the week of his decision hit, the Nittany Lions were almost definitely out of contention before head coach Matt Campbell's staff visited him on Tuesday and put Penn State back on his list.

Going up against Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin, though, Campbell fell short.

On Thursday, Bourque announced his commitment to Virginia Tech. He is the No. 82 overall recruit in the Class of 2027, No. 7 quarterback, and No. 1 recruit from Massachusetts, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

Four-star quarterback Peter Bourque commits to Virginia Tech over Penn State and Georgia

Franklin initially recruited Bourque when he was at Penn State. He took multiple unofficial visits in 2024, giving the blue and white the best probability of landing him. However, right before the 2025 season kicked off, Bourque committed to Michigan, leaving the Nittany Lions behind.

Once Campbell settled down in Happy Valley, he extended an offer to Bourque. Likewise, once Franklin was set in Blacksburg, he offered the quarterback a scholarship as well on the same day on Dec. 16, 2025.

Like Penn State and Virginia Tech, the Wolverines underwent a head coach change, prompting Bourque to decommit and reopen his recruitment. Both Campbell and Franklin dove right in, and the Nittany Lions and Hokies became favorites alongside Georgia.

Despite being in his top three, it was evident by Campbell's recruiting moves that Penn State wasn't confident in Bourque choosing the Nitany Lions over the other two programs.

Suddenly, three-star quarterback Will Wood became a top target for the blue and white. Now, the fellow Massachusetts native is Penn State's last chance at landing a Class of 2027 quarterback.

Penn State must pivot from Peter Bourque to three-star quarterback Will Wood

Wood is the No. 488 overall recruit in the country and No. 29 quarterback, per 247Sports Composite rankings. He's also ranked third from his state. While his rankings don't appear comparable to Bourque's, Campbell, quarterbacks coach Jake Waters, and the rest of the Nittany Lion staff clearly see the value in his commitment.

In 2025, Wood helped lead Xaverian Brothers to an 11-2 record and a Massachusetts Division I State Championship for the third year in a row. He was also named Catholic League MVP as a junior. Wood threw for 351 yards and eight touchdowns on 21-of-35 completed passes. He added 71 rushing yards as well on 19 carries.

With the addition of Wood, assuming Campbell comes out of his recruitment battle versus Boston College successful, Penn State's 2027 quarterback room gets an extra boost. Alex Manske, a former Iowa State Cyclone who transferred when Campbell made the move, is another former three-star recruit. He was also the No. 36 quarterback in the Class of 2025.

Campbell's and Water's quarterback development is notable, especially in a scenario where they lost out on a four-star. Senior Rocco Becht is the most experienced quarterback in the NCAA heading into 2026 and can potentially make an argument to be a Heisman Trophy candidate.

In addition to Becht, Campbell helped develop San Francisco 49er quarterback Brock Purdy at Iowa State. The former Class of 2018 prospect was another three-star that Campbell helped turn into a star.

That development path is something that stands out to Wood, something that helps put the Nittany Lions above the Eagles. Quarterback development is also something that, when looking at and comparing recent NCAA players like Becht and now Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar, Campbell excels at more than Franklin. Though missing out on a four-star is still a loss, it's less of a blow for Campbell knowing he has an option he can most certainly work with

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