Penn State picked up its first linebacker commit in the 2027 class this weekend.
Three-star Blake Betton pledged to the Nittany Lions on Saturday, becoming the first recruiting win for linebackers coach Tyson Veidt since arriving in Happy Valley. Betton ranks as the No. 4 Minnesota native, No. 35 linebacker and No. 417 overall prospect in the class, per the 247Sports composite rankings.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Betton is headed into his senior season at Shakopee High School, where he totaled 88 tackles, four tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two interceptions and a fumble recovery last season.
Betton was recruited by a long list of power conference schools, including many from the Big Ten. He held offers from Michigan, Nebraska, Auburn, Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Virginia Tech and others. He has an official visit to Penn State scheduled for June 19.
With Betton’s decision, Penn State is up to six members in its 2027 class, which ranks No. 24 nationally and No. 11 in the conference, per 247’s composite ranking. The Nittany Lions are expected to add more names in the coming days as commitment season ramps up.
