Penn State lose out on 5 star QB to Big Ten rival

In a chaotic week for the Nittany Lions filled with recruiting prowess and spring practice, the Blue and White finally hit a snag on the recruiting trail. On Saturday, five star quarterback Will Mencl decided that he would be taking his talents to Eugene, Oregon to play for Dan Lanning and the Ducks. This is a huge development because not only was Mencl a player who was familiar with the new Penn State coaching staff, he chose a direct Big Ten rival.

With his signing as well, Oregon's recruiting class for the 2027 cycle has leapfrogged the Nittany Lions', as the Ducks now rank 6th compared to the Blue and White's 8th. What Mencl's commitment came down to was not only that his relationship with Dan Lanning and the Oregon staff, but most importantly, the fact that he felt more comfortable with the culture. Still, it is a painful blow for the Nittany Lions as Campbell and his staff attempt to expand their recruitign prowess across the country.

Mencl was one of the West Coast's best high school prospects, ranking 76th overall according to 247Sports. He was also the sixth ranked quarterback in the class. Coming from Arizona, he was most importantly the No. 1 recruit in the state, cementing his credentials. While the Nittany Lions will be disappointed, it makes sense that Mencl wished to remain on the west coast.

The Nittany Lions will now turn their focus to other QB recruits, including four star Peter Bourque. They are still looking for the first QB of the cycle.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State loses top QB recruit Will Mencl to Oregon