Penn State Football is undergoing significant changes following the dismissal of head coach James Franklin after 12 seasons. The decision has led to a swift and impactful response on the recruiting front, with several high-profile recruits decommitting from the program.
Top 2027 Recruits Decommit from Penn State
Within an hour of Franklin’s firing, Kemon Spell, a four-star recruit and the top-running back for 2027, announced his decommitment. Ranking 15th overall in the ESPN Junior 300, Spell’s exit marks a significant blow to the Nittany Lions’ recruiting efforts.
Other Notable Decommits
- Layton Von Brandt – Four-star offensive tackle, ranked 35th overall
- Gabriel Jenkins – Cornerback, ranked 242nd overall
- Khalil Taylor – Four-star wide receiver, decommitted on Friday, ranked 66th overall
With these departures, Penn State’s 2027 recruiting class currently lacks any commitments. The situation worsens for the 2026 class, which was previously ranked 17th nationally, as three-star wide receiver Lavar Keys also opted to leave the program.
In light of these developments, Penn State is now vulnerable as the December early signing period approaches. High-profile players such as wide receiver Davion Brown (71 overall) and quarterback Troy Huhn (186 overall) are among those likely to attract attention from rival schools.
Penn State’s Coaching Interim Leadership
Following Franklin’s dismissal, the university has appointed associate head coach Terry Smith as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The Nittany Lions, struggling with a three-game losing streak, currently hold a 3-3 record and are set to face Iowa in Week 8.
Penn State’s athletic director Patrick Kraft emphasized the need for fresh leadership in their pursuit of Big Ten and national championships. The program has previously been recognized for its outstanding recruiting, having secured a top-four class in 2018 with the addition of five-star recruits like Micah Parsons and Justin Shorter.
As the fallout from Franklin’s exit continues, how Penn State navigates their recruiting strategy will be critical for their future success.
