Penn State has secured a significant in-state commitment from Seton LaSalle wide receiver Khalil Taylor. The talented athlete, who has been making waves in high school football, was recently ranked among the top prospects in the 2027 class by On3, securing the No. 16 spot nationally and the No. 2 ranking at his position. Taylor was heavily recruited by Penn State’s regional recruiter Terry Smith and wide receivers coach Marques Hagans.
During his time at Seton LaSalle, Taylor showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions, including quarterback and running back. In the past season, he accumulated over 1,200 all-purpose yards, scored 21 offensive touchdowns, and returned two kickoffs for scores. As a freshman, he recorded just over 1,000 all-purpose yards and found the end zone 13 times.
Seton LaSalle head coach Tim Storino had high praise for Taylor’s athletic ability, initially envisioning him as a free safety at a top-tier program like Alabama. However, Taylor’s passion for offense and his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands have solidified his reputation as an elite wide receiver. Storino, who has decades of coaching experience, highlighted Taylor’s exceptional ability to track and catch the football, noting his impeccable timing and natural talent for making contested catches.
Taylor received 18 scholarship offers leading up to his commitment, with Penn State being one of the first programs to extend an offer back in November 2023. He made nine visits to State College, the most recent of which was last Thursday. His dedication to developing his skills is evident in his performance at various camps, including a standout showing at Rutgers last summer where he clocked a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. Additionally, he made the PIAA state championships as a freshman in the 100-meter sprint, posting a personal best of 10.9 seconds, a time that is expected to improve as he continues his development.
Storino emphasized that Taylor is younger than most of his peers, meaning he still has room for significant growth. Currently on track to graduate at 17, his potential is immense, particularly as he continues refining his speed and technique through specialized training.
With Taylor’s commitment, Penn State’s 2027 class now boasts three top-tier recruits, all ranked within the On300’s top 40. Joining Taylor are running back Kemon Spell, the nation’s top-ranked player at his position, and offensive tackle Layton von Brandt, who holds the No. 6 ranking among offensive linemen.
In addition to Taylor’s commitment, Penn State received more good news with running back Messiah Mickens reaffirming his loyalty to the program. A highly regarded 2026 recruit, Mickens had been weighing offers from Missouri, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. His recruitment initially included an official visit to Notre Dame in June, but after meeting with Penn State’s new running backs coach Stan Drayton, Mickens decided to shut down his recruitment process and remain committed to the Nittany Lions.
Mickens emphasized that his commitment to Penn State was firm from the start, stating that he never wanted to be a player who frequently changed his mind. Being from Pennsylvania, playing for his home-state team holds special meaning for him. While his relationship with Coach Drayton is still developing, Mickens is impressed with the level of attention and effort the coach has put into studying his game. Drayton has reportedly spent late nights analyzing Mickens’ film, further demonstrating his commitment to fostering a strong connection with the young running back.
The news of Mickens’ decision to remain committed to Penn State was confirmed by Blue White Illustrated, with Happy Valley United sharing the update on social media. The post highlighted Mickens’ firm commitment to the Nittany Lions and included insights from his recent visit to State College.
Mickens has already made a name for himself on the field, earning Pennsylvania’s Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2024. During that season, he amassed 1,214 rushing yards, 235 receiving yards, and scored 23 total touchdowns. His impact extended to the defensive side of the ball, where he recorded 81 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hurries, 16.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Currently, On3 ranks Mickens as the No. 134 overall prospect in the country and the 10th-best running back in the 2026 class. Within Pennsylvania, he holds the fourth overall ranking, solidifying his status as one of the state’s premier football talents.
With these commitments, Penn State continues to build a strong foundation for the future, securing some of the top young talent in the country. Both Taylor and Mickens bring exceptional skills and potential to the program, positioning the Nittany Lions for continued success in the years to come.
