Son of ex-Nittany Lions volleyball star, 2026 recruit wants visit to send message to Penn State football

Not many recruits would take the time to visit a school on the opposite side of the country without an offer. But for Colby Simpson, he was willing to take that his last weekend for the Penn State football game against Illinois. The 2026 recruiting class member plays tight end and is hoping that his efforts will pay off in the form of a scholarship offer from the Nittany Lions.

Colby Simpson is a 6’5 tight-end prospect in the 2026 recruiting class from Westlake Village (California). He has yet to be ranked by several major outlets. However, 247Sports has provided his initial ranking. They regard Simpson as a three-star talent who ranks as the No. 93 player in California and the No. 44 tight end in his class.

He has taken two visits to Happy Valley during his recruitment, one in June and the other last weekend for the Illinois game. Simpson was trying to send a message to the Penn State football coaching staff. He shared that message with Ryan Snyder of Blue White Illustrated.

“Now Penn State has to know I’m serious,” Simpson said.

Colby Simpson has a special reason to be interested in Penn State football. His mother, Angie Kammer Simpson, was a standout for the Nittany Lions volleyball program in the 1990s under legendary coach Russ Rose.

Kammer Simpson helped lead Penn State to a NCAA Runner-Up finish in 1993 and a Final Four in 1994. She earned All-Big Ten honors in 1995 and 1996 and was recognized as an All-American in 1996.

What other schools are in the hunt for Simpson?

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

While his efforts have been made clear, Colby Simpson will continue to work towards a Penn State offer. In the meantime, he holds offers from Cal, Arizona State, Colorado State, Minnesota, Oregon State, San Jose State, and Washington State according to On3.

There’s still plenty of time before National Signing Day in the 2026 recruiting cycle. But Simpson is looking to pick up an offer from Penn State before then. If he continues to make these efforts and plays well during his junior season perhaps James Franklin and his coaching staff will extend an offer.

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