Penn State’s downward spiral may be Nebraska’s golden opportunity.
With James Franklin shown the door—allegedly with a nearly $50 million payout—the Nittany Lions find themselves in disarray. And in today’s
fast-moving world of college football, chaos in one camp can spell opportunity for another. Especially when that camp is as talent-rich as Penn State’s.
Nebraska, riding a wave of optimism under Matt Rhule, could be in prime position to capitalize on the shake-up. Blue-chip programs like Penn State don’t just lose coaches—they risk losing recruits. And with several elite players from Pennsylvania re-evaluating their futures, the Huskers could be ready to pounce.
Here are a few standout names worth watching:
⭐️ Kemon Spell, RB – 5-9, 205 lbs – McKeesport, PA (2027)
Status: 5-star | #1 RB in 2027 class
Spell is the kind of talent that can transform an entire offense. Ranked as the top running back in the 2027 class, he has the power, vision, and acceleration to be a program-changer. Nebraska made his Top 6, along with Georgia, Michigan, Florida State, and Michigan State—an elite group. With Penn State’s uncertainty, don’t be surprised if Rhule and his staff crank up the heat on this recruitment to keep him in the Big Ten… just a little further west.
⭐️ Gabe Jenkins, S – 6-0, 187 lbs – Pittsburgh, PA (2027)
Status: 4-star | Physical, intelligent safety
Jenkins is a versatile, hard-hitting safety who would bolster Nebraska’s already improving secondary. His relationship with former Huskers assistant Evan Cooper (now at Florida State) complicates matters. However, if Jenkins was impressed by Nebraska’s facilities and culture during his visit, there’s still an opportunity available. Nebraska will need to move quickly, though—he won’t stay uncommitted for long.
⭐️ Khalil Taylor, WR – 5-11, 180 lbs – Pittsburgh, PA (2027)
Status: 4-star | Explosive route-runner
Taylor is the kind of twitchy, polished receiver who could become a favorite target for Dylan Raiola or the next QB1. Nebraska’s current wide receiver room is healthy, but you can never stockpile too much talent—especially in today’s NIL-driven arms race. If Taylor is looking for an early opportunity and a high-powered offense, Nebraska checks the boxes.
⭐️ Matt Sieg, S – 5-11, 180 lbs – McDonald, PA (2026)
Status: 4-star | Leader on the field
Sieg plays with intelligence and tenacity—exactly the kind of player Rhule loves to build a defense around. With Pennsylvania roots and the East Coast ties on Nebraska’s staff, this one makes a lot of sense… assuming Rhule isn’t secretly in the running for the Penn State vacancy himself. If he publicly squashes that speculation, Sieg could be a real possibility.
⭐️ Tavian Branch, DL – 6-3, 300 lbs – Taylor, PA (2026)
Status: 3-star | High-upside interior lineman
You don’t teach size, and Branch has plenty of it. At 6-3, 300 lbs, he’s the kind of run-stuffer Nebraska needs to anchor the middle of the line. The Huskers were in the mix the first time around, and with DL depth a growing concern, expect Nebraska to throw some NIL weight behind this one. He may not be the flashiest name, but he’s exactly the kind of foundational player championship defenses are built around
Final Thoughts
The vultures are circling Penn State’s recruiting class, and for good reason. Despite on-field struggles, the Nittany Lions have never lacked for talent. The collapse in Happy Valley means these elite players are suddenly up for grabs—and the competition for their services will be fierce.
But Nebraska is no longer playing catch-up in recruiting. With a rejuvenated culture, national buzz, and the ever-growing pull of NIL, the Huskers can and should make a serious play for some of these recruits.
In a sport where momentum is everything, this could be Nebraska’s moment to strike.
