Another Providence Day football standout is off the board. Defensive back Caleb Cooper, a rising senior with the state champion Chargers, announced his commitment to Penn State on Monday.
Cooper becomes the fourth Providence Day player from the 2027 class to commit to a Power 4 program, joining defensive lineman Griff Galloway (Kentucky), Moses Poku-Kankam (Rutgers) and wide receiver Steele Fletcher (Wake Forest). All four players are ranked inside the state’s top 50 players by 247Sports.
Cooper is considered a three-star prospect and is ranked No. 29 in North Carolina. He picked Penn State from among 20+ offers. Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Tennessee and Florida also were among his favorites, per 247Sports.
He visited Penn State this past weekend. According to his social media, he received an official offer during his time on campus and made his commitment shortly after returning home.
Penn State’s recruiting class is ranked inside the top 10 nationally at this point, with 21 commits.
“Penn State is moving in a direction that I think is only on an upwards trajectory,” Cooper told 247Sports after his commitment. “Coach Matt Campbell was the right hire. I want to play for him.”
3 star Safety out of North Carolina @CalebKingCooper has committed to Penn State University. Cooper chose the Nittany Lions over Wisconsin and Virginia Tech
“Penn State is an amazing place to play football and has an amazing history”
Welcome Home Caleb ! We Are 🦁 pic.twitter.com/WJe8zHCtPQ— White Out Football (@WhiteOutFB) June 8, 2026
Cooper projects as a safety but is listed as an athlete by 247Sports. He earned 97 tackles in 2025, with six pass breakups and one interception.
Providence Day has six players from its rising senior class listed among 247Sports top 50. Two remain uncommitted – safety Robert Geathers III (No. 23) and interior lineman Cooper Hodson (No. 47).
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- 2027 North Carolina player rankings: A look at how national outlets like 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN view our state’s elite prospects

