Pennsylvania native, from McKeesport High School, Kemon Spell, has openly listed six programs that could cause him to change his mind. In his recent interview with Rivals’ Haye Fawcett, he mentioned his favorite programs: Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Tennessee, and Ohio State, as the programs with the possibilities of securing his commitment. Spell, a 5’10’’ 195-pound, is a 16-year-old consensus five-star prospect and one of the nation’s top-ranked running backs in his cycle.
Various accounts of the just concluded week 0 matchup report his dominance in a matchup against Armstrong, which, of course, is a big part of his reinforcing factor and why Scouts keep their eyes more on him. The 2027 cycle first commit records actually amplified the chasing about him, with over 1,600 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 157 carries in 2024.
His scheduled visitation will kick off with a visit to Ohio State on Aug 30, which marks their preseason opener game against Akron, and his subsequent visitation is scheduled to follow. The McKeesport has held a verbal commitment to Penn State since Aug 2, 2024, positioning him as the core part of the Nittany Lions’ 2027 class. Being an in-state product, he is familiar with the Nittany Lions’ program under coach James Franklin. Before the pledge, he visited many campuses before settling for Penn State.
This recent announcement has got fans reacting with many revisiting his March statement in which he described himself as “fully committed” to Penn State, which made him shut down his recruitment, unaware to fans that it would only be temporary.
If I were Penn State, I would move on. Why waste time on a guy that clearly isn’t committed.
— DPH (@DPHBuckeyes) August 26, 2025
A fan reacted ‘’If I were Penn State, I would move on. Why waste time on a guy that clearly isn’t committed.’’
As I always say, if Notre Dame and Penn St are involved, he’s going to Notre Dame
— ND Wine n Cheese (@nd_winencheese) August 26, 2025
Another fan boldly took his stance on the team, which would end up securing his commitment:” As I always say, if Notre Dame and Penn St are involved, he is going to Notre Dame.”
Not Penn State character, let him go. If I was Franklin, i would tell him he is no longer welcome and best of luck.
— The Old Croaker 1776 (@Willy_TX) August 26, 2025
And finally, another fan stresses his displeasure regarding his open decision, having verbally committed to Penn State in 2024, “Not Penn State character, let him go. If I was Franklin, i would tell him he is no longer welcome and best of luck”
Which Team Wins the Battle for Kemon Spell Commitment?
Several reports of his recruiting profiles show that multiple programs have sent offers, but the six programs in his list have maintained close contact.
If he were to give competitiveness an edge, the Big 10 rivals like Ohio State and Michigan would be his ideal landing places. In terms of championship pedigree, Alabama and Tennessee make sense. Also, considering academic standards, Notre Dame and USC have the prestige.
Still over two years away, his scheduled visit will further test his resolve and narrow his list down. He has made it clear all that he wants: Coach stability, development opportunity, and game atmosphere, which, of course, will be the factors that will be weighing in as he begins his visit to various programs.
All eyes will be on Spell, as his recent announcement brings the recruiting drama back to life. It reminds college football lovers that commitment is not an endpoint, but a starting point.
