Once considered a Notre Dame lock, Kemon Spell is now expected to switch gears once again and re-commit to Penn State.
Spell, a 5-star running back prospect in the 2027 class, was committed to the Nittany Lions. However, when the Fighting Irish hired PSU running backs coach Ja'Juan Seider, experts believed that Spell would follow. When James Franklin was fired, he seemed like a slam dunk. However, Penn State has pushed hard for Spell, and he might be about to leave the Irish in the dust.
On Tuesday, On3 analysts put in predictions that Spell would re-commit to Penn State. In addition, Spell is expected to take a visit to Happy Valley this weekend. It's likely that when the running back does take that visit, new head coach Matt Campbell will secure the biggest commit of his career.
I will be in happy valley this weekend 🦁#WEARE
— Kemon spell (@KemonJones9) January 20, 2026
Penn State regains momentum with 5-star RB Kemon Spell after Notre Dame surge
Even if he does commit to the Nittany Lions, there's still almost a year to try and win him over. However, Notre Dame would have to be considered a long shot should he give his pledge to PSU for a second time.
According to the 247Sports Composite Ratings, Kemon Spell is the No. 1 running back in the country, No. 1 player from Pennsylvania, and the No. 7 prospect overall for the 2027 class. He's got college superstar written all over him, which is why PSU fans are hoping he decides to sign next December with his home-state squad.
His star power is also why Notre Dame had hoped to find a way to flip him to the Irish. He's often shown love to Marcus Freeman and Co. However, at this point, it feels more like flirtation than genuine interest in playing in South Bend.