For the Nittany Lions, fans are probably sick about hearing about recruiting whiffs all the time, especially at important positions. Unfortunately, they have continued to disappoint in that department. This week, they tried to pry away four star QB Braylen Warren from Missouri. However, Warren decided to shut down his commitment and remain with the Tigers. While Penn State do have a QB signed inJames Armstrong, he's in the 2028 class. Chances are Penn State wants an immediate rebound, and Warren could have been the perfect option.
Now it's back to the drawing board though as Penn State will look for a positive end to this season and return their focus to who will lead the team in 2027 on offense.Alex Manske, the Iowa State transfer, could be
an option but Campbell now understands the kind of players you need to compete in the Big Ten, so it won't be a guarantee that he would be the starter.
Warren was the No. 18 player in the class and the number three player in the state of Nebraska. Still, it would have been hard to flip him as he signed with a solid SEC contender willing to throw money at him. As of right now, it has not been determined whether or not Campbell is willing to do the same. While it's nice to have so many transfers follow you to a new place, they just might not be good enough to take that next step. And even if Manske were to have played more snaps this year, he's more of a feel good story than someone Penn State fans can get behind as a great talent.
It is nearing the end of Year 1 of the Campbell era in Happy Valley with disappointing results. Year 2 will be viewed through even more of a microscope if he doesn't turn things around. Going for Warren was an ambitious move that could have paid off if he had signed. Now though, it is back to square one.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State swings and misses on four star Missouri QB commit
