The race for one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 recruiting class is beginning to heat up.
Five-star signal caller Will Mencl, a standout from Chandler, Ariz., is emerging as the premier quarterback prospect in a loaded recruiting cycle. As his recruitment accelerates, four major programs separated themselves from the pack: Penn State, Oregon, Auburn, and Miami.
Will Mencl eyeing early commitment date soon after spring visits
With spring visits approaching, Mencl appears ready to move quickly toward a decision that could help shape the recruiting landscape for 2027.
For Penn State, the biggest obstacle comes from a familiar opponent.
The Ducks, a Big Ten rival of the Nittany Lions', are heavily involved in Mencl’s recruitment. They remain a strong contender despite the departure of offensive coordinator Will Stein, who recently accepted the head coaching position at Kentucky. Even with that coordinator change, Oregon’s offensive reputation and quarterback development track record continue resonating with elite recruits like Mencl.
Still, the Penn State remains firmly in the mix and are hoping upcoming visits can help strengthen their position.
Mencl made it clear that he doesn’t want his recruitment to drag on much longer. After completing a series of visits this spring, the five-star quarterback hopes to have his future settled sooner rather than later.
“I kind of want to be committed after coming out of these visits,” Mencl told Rivals.
He also provided a rough timeline for when that decision could arrive.
“I’d say, like, mid to late April, but obviously if it doesn’t feel right, I don’t want to turn off anyone.”
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback is coming off the most impressive season of his high school career at Chandler High School.
During the 2025 season, Mencl completed 258 of 367 passes, an impressive 70.3 percent completion rate, while throwing for 3,815 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
The breakout campaign only strengthened his reputation as one of the nation’s most polished quarterback prospects heading into his senior season.
Landing Mencl would be a massive recruiting win for Matt Campbell and Penn State.
After a somewhat underwhelming 2026 recruiting cycle, securing a commitment from the elite quarterback would give the Nittany Lions immediate momentum in the 2027 class. More importantly, it could help attract other high-profile recruits who want to play alongside a premier quarterback talent.
With visits approaching and a decision potentially just weeks away, Mencl’s recruitment is quickly becoming one of the most important storylines in the early 2027 cycle.