Penn State football head coach Matt Campbell is back on the prowl for a 2027 running back after four-star Aiden Gibson's shocking flip to Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights benefited from Gibson's de-commitment, and the Nittany Lions hope to do the same but with a former Syracuse commit.
Three-star Sa'Nir Brooks pledged to the Orange on Jan. 24, but just under six months later, he backed out of his initial commitment. On June 9, Brooks de-committed from the program and put himself back on the market. While he wasn't on Campbell's radar then given the two backs he already had in his 2027 class, that doesn't mean the blue and white can't take a shot at landing him now.
Three-star Sa'Nir Brooks could be Matt Campbell's next 2027 running back target
Penn State isn't the only program searching for another rusher. The Nittany Lions haven't made Brooks their clear target, but if they want some extra security at that position, they need to act fast.
According to Rivals Predictions, Rutgers (39.6 percent), Pittsburgh (23.5 percent), and West Virginia (10.5 percent) are the top three teams most likely to land Brooks. There isn't an obvious standout that's pulling away in this recruitment race, which makes this a nearly perfect time for Campbell to put Penn State in the mix as other Power Four teams are starting to foster interest in Brooks as well. North Carolina is the most recent program that extended him an offer.
Since Brooks has been committed to Syracuse for a majority of the year, he hasn't visited other schools since 2025. It's been even longer since he's been in Happy Valley. Brooks' last visit to Penn State was Nov. 2, 2024.
A new Nittany Lion look in 2026 is the perfect opportunity to get Brooks on campus for a game day. With senior Carson Hansen and junior James Peoples leading that position room, it'll be good for prospects to see what Penn State can do in the offensive backfield without Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
Similarly, how Campbell utilizes Quinton Martin Jr. and Cam Wallace will speak volumes as to how he values depth pieces at running back and how likely it is for younger players to get on the field sooner.
Brooks is ranked No. 491 nationally and No. 37 at running back, per Rivals Industry Ratings. While he doesn't currently play for a high school in Pennsylvania, he is originally from Aliquippa, Pa. which makes him an even more optimal target for Campbell who has struggled with in-state recruits. Brooks is temporarily living in Maryland, finishing up his high school career at St. Frances Academy.
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