Four-star Ath. Gabe Jenkins & OL Layton von Brandt both decommit from Penn State

Penn State is already down two commitments in its 2027 class following the announcement that head coach James Franklin has been fired.

Four-star athlete Gabe Jenkins was the first to make that call, informing Rivals this afternoon that he’s no longer committed and will start the process of reopening his recruitment. The Class of 2027 prospect from Imani Christian in Pittsburgh committed to the Nittany Lions just under two months ago in mid-August.

That was then followed by four-star offensive tackle Layton von Brandt from Appoquinimink in Delaware.

“Gabe Jenkins is an interesting prospect. He’s one we initially had ranked as a corner, but now looks to be more of a safety or linebacker type, just watching his sophomore film,” said Rivals National Scouting Director Charles Power. “He’s physical and has good ball skills. I think he has natural coverage ability.”

Jenkins is ranked No. 239 overall nationally, according to Rivals’ Industry Rankings. He’s the eighth-ranked prospect in Pennsylvania. Jenkins is the second 2027 prospect to open up his recruitment in the past few days, joining another Pittsburgh native, wide receiver Khalil Taylor.

von Brandt is ranked even higher at No. 39 nationally and sixth overall at offensive tackle.

“Layton von Brandt stacks up pretty well in that group,” Power said, referring to the top 2027 offensive tackles. “He’s got good length and I think he’s got a lot of room to continue filling out. I really liked his movement skills at the position. I thought he was a nimble mover, fluid and a guy who looks pretty athletic. So, when you’re looking at him long-term, I like where he stacks up.”

As of now, the class still holds commitments from five-star running back Kemon Spell. However, Spell has already admitted that he plans