Former Michigan commit Peter Bourque is now in the market for a new home. Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin has been targeting the elite prospect, now that the playing field has been leveled after his decommitment. However, new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell won’t let him get the win so easily.
“I like the way it’s starting to shape up for the Nittany Lions,” On3’s Steve Wiltfong said on March 16, about the likely choice for Peter Bourque. “I think conversations and dialogue with the new Penn State staff have been terrific behind the scenes. He’s always had love for the school, the atmosphere, environment around the program, proximity to home, and believes in the future of this program under Matt Campbell and company.”
Ironically, Penn State first got onto Bourque’s good books while James Franklin was head coach. But he never made him an offer while he was at Happy Valley. Now, Franklin’s presence at Blacksburg is a big reason why the Hokies are in the mix for the 6th-best QB in the 2027 cycle. But Matt Campbell got to work quickly after he was formally introduced as head coach, and extended that long-awaited offer to Bourque. He actually visited Franklin before Penn State offered, but Campbell seems to have sold PSU to the QB.
Lack of playing time could have been why Peter Bourque is leaning towards Penn State
The quarterback depth chart might be a big turn-off for Franklin’s Virginia Tech. Right now, their quarterback room is stacked with Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer and North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker. The duo is joined by redshirt freshmen Kelden Ryan and A.J. Brand, and four-star 2026 recruit Troy Huhn. At Happy Valley, Penn State’s QB room after Rocco Becht is mostly unproven players. Alex Mansker and the freshmen duo of Peyton Falzone and Kase Evans are next in line. Bourque could become an impactful addition from the get-go…