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The summer months of football season are here, and high school recruiting is bigger than ever.
The introduction of Name-Image-Likeness in 2021 brought plenty of changes to the landscape of recruiting while athlete empowerment continues to grow at both the high school and collegiate levels. That trend has resulted in more competitive recruiting around Pennsylvania football, as the current 2027 top 50 list includes 29 Division 1 FBS schools compared to just 19 from the 2017 cycle nearly a decade ago.
Pennsylvania’s rankings have shifted since last football season, as offseason camps and recruiting offers sway the momentum from year to year. We’ve compiled a list of the top 50 players in state based from 247Sports composite and Rivals industry rankings, and included college outlooks for each pledge thus far.
Ahead of the upcoming campaign’s first Friday night lights, here’s the top 10 Class of 2027 recruits across Pennsylvania football along with the next 40 best below.
History review: Here are 10 central Pa. high school football players who defined the region
Wrestling: Meet the 10 athletes that defined central Pa. high school wrestling
Cooper became one of Pennsylvania’s best jump-ball receivers in 2025, and recently leaped into the state’s top 10 recruits as a result. Malvern Prep’s 6-foot-3 playmaker has some incredible contested catches on his highlight tape from junior year, and finished with 44 receptions, 644 yards and 10 total touchdowns by the end of 2025.
The 190-plus pound talent has explosive athleticism for his size, and used it to routinely jump over multiple defenders in PIAA Class 4A action. Cooper made a pledge with LSU over 21 other Division 1 offers, and could become a dominant player at the next level with refined skills.
Jones’s 2027 ranking continues to rise, and he ranks as Pennsylvania’s top safety prospect with the latest update. The 6-foot-3, 190 pound recruit from Haverford stands out as a dynamic receiver on offense, but his ability to fly around on defense is something Division 1 coaches have latched onto. Jones has fluid movement in the secondary, and becomes a tackling machine at the line of scrimmage. After committing to play for former NFL safety Anthony Poindexter at the University of Tennessee, Jones can continue improving on his top-25 positional ranking with a strong senior year.
Gregory’s speed is hard to come by, and he’s positioned himself as a top-25 receiver in the nation heading into his senior year. At nearly 6-foot-2, Pottstown’s track star is one of the most lethal athletes in the Class of 2027 and makes defenders miss with each opportunity.
Gregory finished his junior year with over seven touchdowns and one interception in PIAA Class 6A competition, including a game with over 100 yards and two scores in the District 1 quarterfinals. The Wildcats’ 170 pound receiver has made a name for his vertical threat on the gridiron, and he’s a one-play touchdown at any moment. After committing to UCLA over 25-plus other offers including Penn State, Miami and Georgia, Gregory has the upcoming year to make his case as Pennsylvania’s top 2027 receiver.
Smith made a massive jump in this summer’s recruiting updates, and leaped into a top-15 positional ranking as a result. Lansdale Catholic’s 6-foot-7, 290 pound lineman spent most of his junior year playing right tackle on the Crusaders’ offense, and dominated opposing D-linemen with his size. Smith played just seven games in 2025, but proved himself as a mauler in the run game with the athleticism to lead block beyond the first level.
His latest offseason has been eventful, as Smith made his commitment to play for LSU on June 15, 2026 before making headlines at summer camps and going from 254th into the top 140 nationally according to 247Sports composite. Smith showed the versatility to play both tackle spots in 2024, and his size will only become more daunting for opponents as he continues to grow.
Montgomery ranks as Pennsylvania’s top defensive lineman in the Class of 2027, and has the talent to play all three downs in the trenches. Archbishop Ryan’s 6-foot-3, 300 pound star put together a dominant junior campaign with 45 tackles, eight sacks and 19 tackles for loss, and finished first-team all conference on both offense and defense to cap off 2025.
Montgomery’s size wins most battles, but his twitch and high motor make him a physical playmaker from the defensive interior. The Raiders two-way lineman made a commitment in late April to play for Penn State, and chose to stay in Pennsylvania over joining Texas Tech and Kentucky among 15 other Division 1 offers.
Halter is one of the state’s top developmental prospects, and spent 2025 playing offensive tackle for the first time in his varsity career. Central Catholic’s 6-foot-5, 270 pound multi-sport athlete didn’t begin playing organized football until high school, but showed to be one of the best athletes on the field at all times in his junior campaign.
Following two years of varsity action playing tight end for the Vikings, Halter’s move to right tackle has given him new opportunities already. He received seven Division 1 offers during his junior football season before settling on a mid-season commitment to play for Notre Dame, where his father Jordan Halter played from 1989-93. Halter’s athletic skillset will be special as he continues to grow as an O-lineman, and 2026 could see him reach new heights in WPIAL Class 6A.
Taylor’s gift for making plays is easy to see in action, and he ranks as a top-100 recruit nationally in the Class of 2027. After transferring into Pine-Richland ahead of the 2025 season, the 5-foot-11 talent stamped himself as an instant scoring threat in all three facets to finish with 24 total touchdowns after putting up 22 as a sophomore in 2024.
The Rams’ four-star receiver averaged over 17 yards per catch as a junior, but added 22 tackles, three interceptions and a team-high two pick sixes to deliver his impact in every way. Taylor’s ability with the ball is special, and he’s shown precision as a route runner while getting to work inside and outside the numbers at receiver. After opting to commit with Nebraska over staying in his home state, Taylor will enter his senior year with a chance to climb from 13th in his positional rankings.
Sesay continues to gain traction as a star in 2027’s class, and stands as the top defender from Pennsylvania heading into his final varsity season. Downingtown East’s 6-foot-5, 220 pound talent plays both sides of the ball as both tight end and defensive end, and his pass rushing versatility is desired by several Division 1 programs. Sesay finished his junior season with 13 sacks and over 80 tackles, while bringing panic to opposing offensive linemen with his unique range. Before committing to play for Notre Dame in June, 2026, Sesay held over 30 Division 1 offers from schools including Penn State, LSU and Florida State as a top-five edge rusher in the 2027 class.
Aside from being a top-30 prospect nationally on the gridiron, Sesay is a three-sport athlete that spends the offseasons training basketball and track along with football. His length is apparent on film, as Sesay’s ability to play between two-point and three-point stances is a major gift he’ll take to his next program and could help him in Notre Dame’s edge scheme. Sesay’s athletic profile is a dream for college football programs, and he has a chance to become a force with improved technique at the next level.
Spell’s commitment decision has taken several turns since last fall, but not for a lack of talent. In nine games through 2025, McKeesport’s five-star playmaker put up 1,869 total yards and 29 touchdowns as a running back while adding another three from return scores. The nation’s No. 1 running back recruit in 2027 has made playing three ways a priority, and he added eight tackles and two interceptions to his belt at safety in 2025.
After making a verbal commitment to play for Penn State as a sophomore, Spell decided to flip his decision to Georgia during February, 2026 and has since kept his pledge to the Bulldogs. Spell holds McKeesport’s all-time rushing record with 3,953 career yards, and enters 2026 after consecutive 1600-yard rushing seasons playing in the Tigers’ Wing-T offense.
Spell’s rushing vision has no limit, and he’s shown to make magic happen with elite contact balance and footwork. His speed is special amongst WPIAL Class 4A talent, but Spell’s quickness makes him a constant one-play touchdown threat for opposing defenders. Spell’s ground work is the reason he stands No. 1 at his position, but his versatility as a football player will make him a fan favorite at the next level.
Hiller ranks as the No. 3 player in the nation, and stands as Pennsylvania’s most coveted 2027 recruit after proving to be a difference maker in the trenches. Coatesville’s 6-foot-5, 300 pound five-star talent has the athleticism to play offensive tackle at the next level, and has a long highlight tape of picking up pancakes on the gridiron.
Hiller remains committed to the University of Florida since his April 8 announcement, but has been an anchor in Pennsylvania’s 2027 class for several years already. After earning his first major offer from Penn State in eighth grade, Hiller has piled up over 30 Division 1 FBS offers around the country including interest from Ohio State, Indiana and six other squads from last year’s college football playoff. Coatesville’s star left tackle has already made a name for himself among national rankings, and will continue the climb competing in PIAA Class 6A through his senior year.
11: Jimmy Kalis, OT, Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (Ohio State)
12: Brandon Lockley Jr., LB, Saint Joseph’s Prep (Oregon)
13: Gabe Jenkins, S, Imani Christian Academy, Pittsburgh (Colorado)
14: Javien Robinson, WR, McKeesport (South Carolina)
15: Arnold Mugerwa, WR, Richland, Johnstown (Rutgers)
16: Zayden Smith, Athlete, Bishop McDevitt (Texas Tech)
17: Zykee Scott, LB, La Salle College, Philadelphia (North Carolina)
18: Kelvin Morrison, RB, Hickory (Virginia Tech)
19: Armand Hill, RB, West Mifflin Area
20: Zachary Gleason Jr., CB, Central Catholic (West Virginia)
21: Logan Steele, Athlete, Shamokin (Wake Forest)
22: Ryan Robbins, OT, Upper St. Clair (Penn State)
23: Trey Hopkins, CB, La Salle College (UCLA)
24: Minikon Johnson, LB, Bishop Canevin (Connecticut)
25: Justice Hardy, RB, Wilson (Louisville)
26: Masiia Acrey, CB, St. Josephs Prep, Philadelphia (Syracuse)
27: Tyler Graham, OT, Malvern Prep (Duke)
28: Chase Guers, WR, Blue Mountain, Schuylkill Haven (West Virginia)
29: Lincoln Cook, Athlete, Palisades (Northwestern)
30: Brayden Rose, LB, Riverside, Taylor
31: Rick Brown, LB, Susquehanna Township, Harrisburg (West Virginia)
32: Sammy Dantonka, EDGE, Cardinal O’Hara, Springfield (Wake Forest)
33: Julius Fuentes-Bream, S, West York Area (Kent State)
34: Sebastian Waddell, OT, Roman Catholic, Philadelphia
35: Will Sabatos, LB, Bethel Park (Miami of Ohio)
36: Jon Sassic, IOL, Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (Penn State)
37: Mekhi Graham, RB, Owen J. Roberts, Pottstown (Maryland)
38: Lamier Wade, EDGE, Bishop Canevin, Pittsburgh (Connecticut)
39: Charles Buter, IOL, Bishop Canevin, Pittsburgh (Rutgers)
40: Eisa Nealy, WR, Roman Catholic, Philadelphia
41: Edwin Guzman, IOL, Erie (Syracuse)
42: Jackson Albright, IOL, Warrior Run, Turbotville (Rutgers)
43: Walter Hudson, LB, Roman Catholic, Philadelphia (Pittsburgh)
44: Ben Sakyima, OT Archbishop Wood (Syracuse)
45: Roman Thompson, LB, Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (Miami of Ohio)
46: Levi Porter, LB, The Kiski School, Saltsburg (Appalachian State)
47: Aaron Strader, QB, Pine-Richland (Kent State)
48: Chima Auguste, Athlete, La Salle College
49: AJ Fry, LB, State College Area (Old Dominion)
50: Amari Cannon, RB, Downington West (Massachusetts)
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Meet Pennsylvania’s top 50 high school football Class of 2027 recruits
Continue reading...
The introduction of Name-Image-Likeness in 2021 brought plenty of changes to the landscape of recruiting while athlete empowerment continues to grow at both the high school and collegiate levels. That trend has resulted in more competitive recruiting around Pennsylvania football, as the current 2027 top 50 list includes 29 Division 1 FBS schools compared to just 19 from the 2017 cycle nearly a decade ago.
Pennsylvania’s rankings have shifted since last football season, as offseason camps and recruiting offers sway the momentum from year to year. We’ve compiled a list of the top 50 players in state based from 247Sports composite and Rivals industry rankings, and included college outlooks for each pledge thus far.
Ahead of the upcoming campaign’s first Friday night lights, here’s the top 10 Class of 2027 recruits across Pennsylvania football along with the next 40 best below.
History review: Here are 10 central Pa. high school football players who defined the region
Wrestling: Meet the 10 athletes that defined central Pa. high school wrestling
No. 10: Cade Cooper, WR, Malvern Prep
Cooper became one of Pennsylvania’s best jump-ball receivers in 2025, and recently leaped into the state’s top 10 recruits as a result. Malvern Prep’s 6-foot-3 playmaker has some incredible contested catches on his highlight tape from junior year, and finished with 44 receptions, 644 yards and 10 total touchdowns by the end of 2025.
The 190-plus pound talent has explosive athleticism for his size, and used it to routinely jump over multiple defenders in PIAA Class 4A action. Cooper made a pledge with LSU over 21 other Division 1 offers, and could become a dominant player at the next level with refined skills.
No. 9: Marcus Jones, S, The Haverford School
Jones’s 2027 ranking continues to rise, and he ranks as Pennsylvania’s top safety prospect with the latest update. The 6-foot-3, 190 pound recruit from Haverford stands out as a dynamic receiver on offense, but his ability to fly around on defense is something Division 1 coaches have latched onto. Jones has fluid movement in the secondary, and becomes a tackling machine at the line of scrimmage. After committing to play for former NFL safety Anthony Poindexter at the University of Tennessee, Jones can continue improving on his top-25 positional ranking with a strong senior year.
No. 8: Matthew Gregory, WR, Owen J. Roberts
Gregory’s speed is hard to come by, and he’s positioned himself as a top-25 receiver in the nation heading into his senior year. At nearly 6-foot-2, Pottstown’s track star is one of the most lethal athletes in the Class of 2027 and makes defenders miss with each opportunity.
Gregory finished his junior year with over seven touchdowns and one interception in PIAA Class 6A competition, including a game with over 100 yards and two scores in the District 1 quarterfinals. The Wildcats’ 170 pound receiver has made a name for his vertical threat on the gridiron, and he’s a one-play touchdown at any moment. After committing to UCLA over 25-plus other offers including Penn State, Miami and Georgia, Gregory has the upcoming year to make his case as Pennsylvania’s top 2027 receiver.
No. 7: Terrance Smith, OT, Lansdale Catholic
Smith made a massive jump in this summer’s recruiting updates, and leaped into a top-15 positional ranking as a result. Lansdale Catholic’s 6-foot-7, 290 pound lineman spent most of his junior year playing right tackle on the Crusaders’ offense, and dominated opposing D-linemen with his size. Smith played just seven games in 2025, but proved himself as a mauler in the run game with the athleticism to lead block beyond the first level.
His latest offseason has been eventful, as Smith made his commitment to play for LSU on June 15, 2026 before making headlines at summer camps and going from 254th into the top 140 nationally according to 247Sports composite. Smith showed the versatility to play both tackle spots in 2024, and his size will only become more daunting for opponents as he continues to grow.
No. 6: Stanley Montgomery, DL, Archbishop Ryan
Montgomery ranks as Pennsylvania’s top defensive lineman in the Class of 2027, and has the talent to play all three downs in the trenches. Archbishop Ryan’s 6-foot-3, 300 pound star put together a dominant junior campaign with 45 tackles, eight sacks and 19 tackles for loss, and finished first-team all conference on both offense and defense to cap off 2025.
Montgomery’s size wins most battles, but his twitch and high motor make him a physical playmaker from the defensive interior. The Raiders two-way lineman made a commitment in late April to play for Penn State, and chose to stay in Pennsylvania over joining Texas Tech and Kentucky among 15 other Division 1 offers.
No. 5: James Halter, OT, Central Catholic
Halter is one of the state’s top developmental prospects, and spent 2025 playing offensive tackle for the first time in his varsity career. Central Catholic’s 6-foot-5, 270 pound multi-sport athlete didn’t begin playing organized football until high school, but showed to be one of the best athletes on the field at all times in his junior campaign.
Following two years of varsity action playing tight end for the Vikings, Halter’s move to right tackle has given him new opportunities already. He received seven Division 1 offers during his junior football season before settling on a mid-season commitment to play for Notre Dame, where his father Jordan Halter played from 1989-93. Halter’s athletic skillset will be special as he continues to grow as an O-lineman, and 2026 could see him reach new heights in WPIAL Class 6A.
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No. 4: Khalil Taylor, WR, Pine-Richland
Taylor’s gift for making plays is easy to see in action, and he ranks as a top-100 recruit nationally in the Class of 2027. After transferring into Pine-Richland ahead of the 2025 season, the 5-foot-11 talent stamped himself as an instant scoring threat in all three facets to finish with 24 total touchdowns after putting up 22 as a sophomore in 2024.
The Rams’ four-star receiver averaged over 17 yards per catch as a junior, but added 22 tackles, three interceptions and a team-high two pick sixes to deliver his impact in every way. Taylor’s ability with the ball is special, and he’s shown precision as a route runner while getting to work inside and outside the numbers at receiver. After opting to commit with Nebraska over staying in his home state, Taylor will enter his senior year with a chance to climb from 13th in his positional rankings.
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No. 3: Abraham Sesay, EDGE, Downingtown East
Sesay continues to gain traction as a star in 2027’s class, and stands as the top defender from Pennsylvania heading into his final varsity season. Downingtown East’s 6-foot-5, 220 pound talent plays both sides of the ball as both tight end and defensive end, and his pass rushing versatility is desired by several Division 1 programs. Sesay finished his junior season with 13 sacks and over 80 tackles, while bringing panic to opposing offensive linemen with his unique range. Before committing to play for Notre Dame in June, 2026, Sesay held over 30 Division 1 offers from schools including Penn State, LSU and Florida State as a top-five edge rusher in the 2027 class.
Aside from being a top-30 prospect nationally on the gridiron, Sesay is a three-sport athlete that spends the offseasons training basketball and track along with football. His length is apparent on film, as Sesay’s ability to play between two-point and three-point stances is a major gift he’ll take to his next program and could help him in Notre Dame’s edge scheme. Sesay’s athletic profile is a dream for college football programs, and he has a chance to become a force with improved technique at the next level.
No. 2: Kemon Spell, RB, McKeesport
Spell’s commitment decision has taken several turns since last fall, but not for a lack of talent. In nine games through 2025, McKeesport’s five-star playmaker put up 1,869 total yards and 29 touchdowns as a running back while adding another three from return scores. The nation’s No. 1 running back recruit in 2027 has made playing three ways a priority, and he added eight tackles and two interceptions to his belt at safety in 2025.
After making a verbal commitment to play for Penn State as a sophomore, Spell decided to flip his decision to Georgia during February, 2026 and has since kept his pledge to the Bulldogs. Spell holds McKeesport’s all-time rushing record with 3,953 career yards, and enters 2026 after consecutive 1600-yard rushing seasons playing in the Tigers’ Wing-T offense.
Spell’s rushing vision has no limit, and he’s shown to make magic happen with elite contact balance and footwork. His speed is special amongst WPIAL Class 4A talent, but Spell’s quickness makes him a constant one-play touchdown threat for opposing defenders. Spell’s ground work is the reason he stands No. 1 at his position, but his versatility as a football player will make him a fan favorite at the next level.
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No. 1: Maxwell Hiller, OL, Coatesville PA
Hiller ranks as the No. 3 player in the nation, and stands as Pennsylvania’s most coveted 2027 recruit after proving to be a difference maker in the trenches. Coatesville’s 6-foot-5, 300 pound five-star talent has the athleticism to play offensive tackle at the next level, and has a long highlight tape of picking up pancakes on the gridiron.
Hiller remains committed to the University of Florida since his April 8 announcement, but has been an anchor in Pennsylvania’s 2027 class for several years already. After earning his first major offer from Penn State in eighth grade, Hiller has piled up over 30 Division 1 FBS offers around the country including interest from Ohio State, Indiana and six other squads from last year’s college football playoff. Coatesville’s star left tackle has already made a name for himself among national rankings, and will continue the climb competing in PIAA Class 6A through his senior year.
Pennsylvania’s top 50 Class of 2027 players (No. 11-50)
11: Jimmy Kalis, OT, Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (Ohio State)
12: Brandon Lockley Jr., LB, Saint Joseph’s Prep (Oregon)
13: Gabe Jenkins, S, Imani Christian Academy, Pittsburgh (Colorado)
14: Javien Robinson, WR, McKeesport (South Carolina)
15: Arnold Mugerwa, WR, Richland, Johnstown (Rutgers)
16: Zayden Smith, Athlete, Bishop McDevitt (Texas Tech)
17: Zykee Scott, LB, La Salle College, Philadelphia (North Carolina)
18: Kelvin Morrison, RB, Hickory (Virginia Tech)
19: Armand Hill, RB, West Mifflin Area
20: Zachary Gleason Jr., CB, Central Catholic (West Virginia)
21: Logan Steele, Athlete, Shamokin (Wake Forest)
22: Ryan Robbins, OT, Upper St. Clair (Penn State)
23: Trey Hopkins, CB, La Salle College (UCLA)
24: Minikon Johnson, LB, Bishop Canevin (Connecticut)
25: Justice Hardy, RB, Wilson (Louisville)
26: Masiia Acrey, CB, St. Josephs Prep, Philadelphia (Syracuse)
27: Tyler Graham, OT, Malvern Prep (Duke)
28: Chase Guers, WR, Blue Mountain, Schuylkill Haven (West Virginia)
29: Lincoln Cook, Athlete, Palisades (Northwestern)
30: Brayden Rose, LB, Riverside, Taylor
31: Rick Brown, LB, Susquehanna Township, Harrisburg (West Virginia)
32: Sammy Dantonka, EDGE, Cardinal O’Hara, Springfield (Wake Forest)
33: Julius Fuentes-Bream, S, West York Area (Kent State)
34: Sebastian Waddell, OT, Roman Catholic, Philadelphia
35: Will Sabatos, LB, Bethel Park (Miami of Ohio)
36: Jon Sassic, IOL, Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (Penn State)
37: Mekhi Graham, RB, Owen J. Roberts, Pottstown (Maryland)
38: Lamier Wade, EDGE, Bishop Canevin, Pittsburgh (Connecticut)
39: Charles Buter, IOL, Bishop Canevin, Pittsburgh (Rutgers)
40: Eisa Nealy, WR, Roman Catholic, Philadelphia
41: Edwin Guzman, IOL, Erie (Syracuse)
42: Jackson Albright, IOL, Warrior Run, Turbotville (Rutgers)
43: Walter Hudson, LB, Roman Catholic, Philadelphia (Pittsburgh)
44: Ben Sakyima, OT Archbishop Wood (Syracuse)
45: Roman Thompson, LB, Central Catholic, Pittsburgh (Miami of Ohio)
46: Levi Porter, LB, The Kiski School, Saltsburg (Appalachian State)
47: Aaron Strader, QB, Pine-Richland (Kent State)
48: Chima Auguste, Athlete, La Salle College
49: AJ Fry, LB, State College Area (Old Dominion)
50: Amari Cannon, RB, Downington West (Massachusetts)
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Meet Pennsylvania’s top 50 high school football Class of 2027 recruits
Continue reading...
