Top quarterback prospect chooses Oregon over Penn State, igniting rivalries and fan debate over recruiting strategies and future playing time.
The rich get richer for one Big Ten program at quarterback as the new regime under head coach Matt Campbell tries to lock down elite recruits for the offense.
The 2026 high school class for Penn State was hit hard after James Franklin was fired and then hired at Virginia Tech. While the Nittany Lions were searching for a coach, Franklin was bringing kids to Blacksburg.
PSU added two quarterbacks from Iowa State via the transfer portal. Rocco Becht is coming off of two shoulder injuries from 2025 and is set to be the starter in the upcoming season.
Alex Manske is in line to become the starter in 2027.
On Wednesday, PSU learned that a five-star quarterback target they had eyes on decided to commit to Oregon.
The Ducks, who have Dante Moore as a starter and Dylan Raiola sitting on deck, received a commitment from Will Mencl, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2027 class, per Hayes Fawcet of On3.
College football fans had strong reactions to Mencl's choice to join Oregon.
"Buddy is ITCHING to spend his career as a backup to 3 Portal QBs on a team that loses in the Playoffs by 30 every year," wrote a fan.
"Do Oregon fans feel good about this? Like they know it’s all because of big daddy Phil right ? It’s no reflection on Oregon or dan (L)anning it’s just big daddy Phil throwing bags," posted another.
"Dan the Man deserves his credit but this is also a Big win for the new OC Drew Mehringer as well, that's the way to start off your first recruiting class as an OC Let's Goooooooo!" posted a Ducks fan.
"only thing i'll say is at PSU he would start way sooner. Oregon is a QB factory, but congrats to him and good luck to him !!" wrote a Nittany Lions fan.
'He’ll transfer next year after they pick up someone else in the transfer portal. Rinse and repeat for the Zeros," posted another.
"Gonna be in the portal in 2 years bc Oregon can’t develop high school qbs," believes a fan.