Penn State football recruiting: No. 3 WR in 2026 blown away with Andy Kotelnicki after visit

Penn State football is coming off another busy weekend of recruiting in Happy Valley. As the weekend of visits comes to a close, we’re starting to hear from some of the top prospects in the nation and get their impressions of the Nittany Lions. One of the top players in the entire 2026 recruiting cycle was blown away by what he saw from a new addition to the Penn State staff. Davion Brown, the No. 3 WR in the class of 2026, had some high praise for Andy Kotelnicki after his first meeting with the Nittany Lions’ new offensive coordinator.

Davion Brown: New OC Andy Kotelnicki can “change the game”

Penn State football looks to pick up the pieces from a disappointing showing on the offensive side of the ball in 2023. Despite optimism surrounding the start of the Drew Allar era under center, the Nittany Lions’ passing attack left much to be desired, especially in the season’s biggest games.

Turning around the unit in 2024 is now the task of new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Penn State football has already attacked the transfer portal out wide, bringing in former Ohio State WR Julian Fleming for a quick infusion of talent for this fall. But long term, Kotelnicki’s success will be shaped by the recruiting trail.

And the new Nittany Lions playcaller is already off to a fast start. Following his visit to Happy Valley this weekend, top 2026 WR Davion Brown had a strong first impression of Andy Kotelnicki. “I think what he’s bringing to Penn State can change the game,” Brown told Tyler Calvaruso of 247Sports on Saturday.

VIP: Penn State’s culture and new OC Andy Kotelnicki impressed elite 2026 Richmond (Va.) Trinity Episcopal School WR Davion Brown during his junior day visit.

“I think what he’s bringing to Penn State can change the game.”https://t.co/a4nXsRpfWN pic.twitter.com/Vy70XJGqV9

— Tyler Calvaruso (@tyler_calvaruso) January 27, 2024

Although it’s early, Davion Brown is already considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. A four star from Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, Virginia, Brown is considered the No. 3 WR and No. 16 recruit in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports.

Penn State football is thought to be heavily in the mix for his commitment, along with Virginia Tech and Maryland.

New Penn State staff earning hire marks on the recruiting trail

It’s not just Andy Kotelnicki who is making a strong first impression on the recruiting trail. New Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen has also garnered praise coming out of official visits this month.

“The new defensive coordinator is amazing,” 2025 top 30 recruit Trent Wilson said of Allen last weekend. “He is involved heavily in the defensive line room and has a scheme for the defensive linemen to make plays.”

Of course, Allen and Kotelnicki are both experiencing the surge of momentum coming off their hirings in December. The pair will be put to the test as Penn State football looks to make a push for the expanded College Football Playoff in 2024.

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