Notre Dame moves to flip Penn State commit, No. 1 RB in 2027

After hiring Penn State football assistant coach Ja’Juan Seider last month, Notre Dame has made quick work targeting several of Seider’s former Nittany Lion commitments. This week, it’s McKeesport (PA) standout Kemon Spell who is in the Fighting Irish’s crosshairs.

On Monday, the 2027 running back earned an offer from Seider and the Fighting Irish. Spell became the Nittany Lions’ first 2027 commitment last August.

The four-star has quickly become one of the most coveted players in the 2027 recruiting cycle, currently ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country and the No. 6 prospect in the class by On3.

After a great with head coach @Marcus_Freeman1 @coachseider blessed to receive a offer from Nortre Dame university☘️ @McKTigersFB @PA_TodaySports @wpialsportsnews @PghSportsNow #AGTG pic.twitter.com/bY9k83TapZ

— Kemon spell (@KemonJones9) March 17, 2025

Spell is not the only Penn State running back commitment that Notre Dame has positioned to flip since hiring Seider. The Fighting Irish have been actively pursuing longtime 2026 commit Messiah Mickens. Last week, the Harrisburg (PA) prospect announced his plans to visit South Bend this summer.

“Ja’Juan is a great offensive mind,” Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said of Seider last month. “He has coached multiple offensive positions, but his ability to recruit and develop high-level running backs is exceptional.”

While the Fighting Irish’s push for Mickens will likely intensify over the next several months, the Nittany Lions will have much longer to try and keep potential suitors off of Spell.

Penn State football is one of only three programs nationally with commitments in the 2027 cycle.

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