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Penn State flips Iowa State legacy prospect Mason Bandhauer

Mug-Shot 4x4by: Ryan Snyder12/23/25RyanSnyderOn3

Penn State has added another former Iowa State signee to its Class of 2026, flipping offensive lineman Mason Bandhauer. The news comes just minutes after Ohio native Pete Eglitis announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions, giving PSU two offensive line prospects in the class.

A native of Fort Collins, Colo., Bandhauer was the first player to commit to head coach Matt Campbell and offensive line coach Ryan Clanton in Iowa State’s class, pledging his commitment way back in Oct. 2024. Boston College, Kansas State, Kansas, Mississippi State, Nebraska and Oklahoma State were the other Power Four schools to offer him at the time of his commitment.

His decision to flip to Penn State is all the more notable when you consider that Bandhauer’s father, Todd, was a two-year starter at quarterback for Iowa State in the mid-90s.

“He’s been a great leader of this recruiting class, and it’s been awesome to watch him,” said Campbell when asked about Bandhauer during Iowa State’s signing day press conference. “And he’ll be a great leader on this football team someday. He’s got that kind of ability and potential for sure.”

During his senior season, Bandhauer earned first-team All-CHSAA 5A honors. Listed at 6-foot-6, 295 pounds, Bandhauer is expected to be a tackle at the next level, but he told CycloneReport’s Bill Seals that he could play wherever he’s needed at the next level.

“They told me just be ready to play any position when I walk in,” he said. “I know how to snap, and I’ve been doing that a lot this offseason, so if they need me to snap, I can snap. If they need me to play guard, I can play guard. So, wherever they want me.”

Bandhauer holds a three-star rating at all three major recruiting sites. Rivals’ Industry Rankings, which combine Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN for a cumulative grade, have him ranked No. 794 nationally, 59th overall at offensive tackle and No. 11 in Colorado for the 2026 class.